MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 17, 2018
Title
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners honoring the memory of Gregory Bates Hart
Body
WHEREAS, Gregory Bates Hart was born to James and Jimmie-Lee Henderson on September 1, 1950; and
WHEREAS, Greg was the oldest of six brothers and grew up in the Ida B. Wells Darrow Homes; and
WHEREAS, the brothers grew up in a loving home with their mother, grandmother and aunt making sure they had what they needed. Greg’s grandmother, a professional seamstress, even taught him to sew; and
WHEREAS, Greg met Paulette Corner at Wendell Phillips High School. He won her heart by writing her a poem and leaving it with roses outside of her apartment; and
WHEREAS, a star defensive lineman in high school, Greg also dominated in softball, playing in multiple leagues; and
WHEREAS, son Darren Crowder was born in 1968. Greg and Paulette welcomed daughter Nikkida in 1970 and the family grew with the birth of Greg, Jr. in 1978 and Jameel in 1982; and
WHEREAS, on January 19, 1974, Greg and Paulette married in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, Greg joined the original members of the Pembrook Rough Riders, a club of African American men who created a rodeo. Greg loved the country and managed the rodeo for 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Greg was an active father who enjoyed attending his children’s activities and served as a father-figure to many of their friends; and
WHEREAS, a good provider for his family, Greg worked as a detention officer for the Chicago Police Department and a stationary engineer for the Chicago Housing Authority; and
WHEREAS, Greg retired from work in 2005 due to a disability, but never stopped working and helping others in the community. He especially loved dressing up as Santa Claus for the children living in Chicago Housing Authority homes; and
WHEREAS, Greg volunteered in the 2nd Ward, the 5th District and the 34th Ward. In later years, he worked with Cease Fire, mentored youth and was a dedicated donor at the IMPACT Family Center; and
WHEREAS, Gregory B. Hart leaves to cherish his loving memory and legacy: the love of his life, Paulette Corner Hart; brothers Larry (Cheryl), Oliver (Cynthia), James (Evette), Pierre (Karen), DeAngelo and Dontell (Phyllis); his wonderful children Darren (LaDonna), Nikkida Hart, Gregory Jr. (Patrina), and Jameel (Natrisa); adorable grandchildren Donald, Dominique Darrious, Emma, Jamese, Justyn, Brooklyn, London, and Asir; great grandchildren Artorius, Speyer and Lotus; and
WHEREAS, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, forever friends and many who considered him a father will miss him dearly; and
WHEREAS, may Greg’s hearty laugh and legacy of love live on in the hearts of all he touched; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gregory Bates Hart; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: May 17, 2018
Approved: MARIYANA T. SPYROPOULOS, President; BARBARA J. MCGOWAN, Vice President; FRANK AVILA, Chairman, Committee on Finance; MARTIN J. DURKAN; JOSINA MORITA; DEBRA SHORE; KARI K. STEELE; DAVID J. WALSH; Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Approved as to Form and Legality: Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel