Commending Late Ross K. Stephenson-Passed 5-24-10

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RESOLUTION NO. ~ 0 2 8 -10 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMENDING, HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE RICH LIFE AND ENDURING LEGACY OF THE LATE ROSS K. STEPHENSON °~i the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, recognizes that a very special former Riley High School football player and graduate, Ross K. Stephenson, passed away on Apri127, 2010; and ~i following his academic and football career at Eastern Illinois University, Ross Stephenson served with valor under the command of General George S. Patton, Jr. in the 3rd Army during World War II, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and six battle stars for courageously fighting for the Allies; and °°~~, following his return to the United States, Ross Stephenson began his coaching and teaching career at Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois; went on to serve with passion and distinction as a South Bend Central football coach and Athletic Director from 1947 through 1970 while also teaching Health and Driver's Education classes; and was an integral part of the "Bears Fabulous Fifties" which have provided many memories for generations to cherish; and °~i e~,~eaa, after Central was phased out, Coach Stephenson's special skills earned him a position at LaSalle High School as a football coach from 1970-1972; he then became the Physical Education Coordinator for the South Bend Community School Corporation until he joined the football staff at the University of Notre Dame under Head Coach Dan Devine which included being a scout for Notre Dame's 1977 National Championship Football Team. C~oa, C-TiFe, 6B c~.ed, by the Common Council of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly commends, honors and will remember forever, the special life of Ross K. Stephenson, ahighly-decorated, dedicated, caring and extraordinary individual. Section II. The South Bend Common Council recognizes that words cannot capture the heartfelt expressions of thanks which it wishes to convey, especially to Jane, Ross' beloved wife of 68 years; his five children -Jamie, Julie, Martha, John and Mary; his eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Coach Stephenson has left behind so many wonderful times to remember. May these special memories and the countless individuals who were touched and positively influenced by Coach Stephenson be a tribute to this kind and special leader who helped shape the South Bend community for generations to come. Section III . This Resolution shall be in full force yor. Al "Buddy" Kirs; after its adoption by r. Tim by A. Ryru~.~1t L~ Q .~- ,~~ Karg~ White, t Large -Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney C~~,er~llFia~-`{ o~ ~""`d~' 2000 t~.e Stephe J. Lue ayor of South Bend