HR0147 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0147 LRB100 11515 MST 22018 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Robert E. Cook, who passed away on February 9, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Robert Cook grew up in Chicago and graduated from Wheaton College; he served in the United States Navy during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Robert Cook came to Springfield in 1949 and worked with the Taxpayers Federation of Illinois; in 1956, he was asked to be the first Executive Director and first full-time staff member of the Illinois Association of Real Estate Boards, later the Illinois Association of Realtors; he orchestrated the planning and construction of the association's first office building, the Illinois Realtors Plaza at the Capitol City Shopping Center; he started the Realtors' Political Action Committee (RPAC); he was the main spokesperson for real estate at the Illinois Capitol; he was the Speaker of the Illinois Third House (the lobbyist's organization) in 1973; he chaired the Governor's Prayer Breakfast in 1976; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Robert Cook retired from the Illinois Association of Realtors and pursued his primary passion in association management, lobbying the state legislature; in 1985, he co-founded the lobbying organization of Cook-Witter, Inc., which today represents over 15 statewide associations; in 1995, he left Springfield to be with his family in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Robert Cook was very active in his church, Cherry Hills Baptist, and many other missionary programs; he was one of the founding members of the Illinois Society of Association Executives and actively participated in the American Society of Association Executives, where he earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and was awarded the Key Person Award; he also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Committee of 100"; and

WHEREAS, Robert Cook was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy; and

WHEREAS, Robert Cook is survived by his wife of 67 years, Robin, and his children, Cindy and Terri; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Robert E. Cook, 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 Robert Cook as an expression of our deepest sympathy.