Bill Text: IL HR0254 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the passing of Edward George Gardner of Chicago.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-05-04 - Resolution Adopted [HR0254 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0254-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Edward
George Gardner of Chicago, who passed away on March 20, 2023;
and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was born to Frank and Eva Gardner
in the West Chesterfield neighborhood of Chicago on February
15, 1925; he attended Fenger High School; he served as a
sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II; he received his
Bachelor of Arts from Chicago Teachers College, known today as
Chicago State University; he earned his Master of Arts from
the University of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was regarded as a Chicago titan of
business and philanthropy; in 1964, he and his wife, Bettiann,
founded the hair care company Soft Sheen Products, Inc.; they
developed the business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise,
employing more than 400 people and exporting products to
Canada, the Caribbean, and West Africa; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner utilized Soft Sheen Products,
Inc.'s advertising and communication resources and leveraged a
$300,000 fundraising effort and staff to mount a campaign that
registered more than 200,000 voters 40 years ago, which was

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instrumental in the 1983 election of Chicago's first Black
mayor, the late Harold Washington; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was also known for his dedication
to the arts; he and his wife spearheaded the development of the
New Regal Theater located at 1641 East 79th Street in Chicago,
which hosted acts ranging from Gladys Knight to Tyler Perry
during its years in operation; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner remained committed to his
community throughout his life; at the age of 87, he led a march
of over 1,000 people to protest the lack of Black workers on a
major construction site on Chicago's South Side in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was a co-owner of the Chicago
Bulls and a founding member of the anti-violence nonprofit
Black On Black Love; he was also a board member of Chicago
United and The Chicago Urban League; and
WHEREAS, Edward Gardner was known for engaging others with
humanity and humility; he will be remembered for his
dedication to his family, his community, and the City of
Chicago; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that

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we mourn the passing of Edward George Gardner and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Edward Gardner as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.