I’m in shock. From the Herald:
Harper College trustee and Wheeling Township Democrat Committeeman Patrick Botterman died of a massive heart attack Monday.
Pat had literally just emailed me yesterday morning about helping him out on a project.
While he could be a bulldog he was a good man; and worked his tail off for the underdogs and the little guys. I’m speechless.
He will be missed, even by those who didn’t know him but were impacted by his hard work, his dedication and above all, his integrity. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew he’d be straight as an arrow with you.
God Bless the Botterman family and all of Pat’s many, many friends as we grieve. We lost a true patriot yesterday.
Update: Rich Miller has some info and Rep. John Fritchey offers us this eloquent eulogy.
Update 2: E Man and Yoda recall their colorful experiences with Botter Boy. Both their stories are like so many others’ — there is quite the Botterman Alumni Club out there.
Update 3: I’ve changed the site header for the next few days. Yes, Botterman was that special.
Update 4: The Arlington Heights Post reports:
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Harper College Educational Foundation (note Patrick Botterman Scholarship Fund), 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.
You may also donate directly online at the Harper College Educational Foundation Botterman Scholarship Fund.
9 comments
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March 11, 2008 at 10:21 am
ArchPundit » Blog Archive » Awful News
[...] Rob who introduced me electronically to Pat [link] [...]
March 11, 2008 at 10:46 am
Jerry 101
I never met Pat in person, but everyone told me I had to meet him.
He helped end the reign of Ted Matlak, and though I moved out of the ward, the 32nd Ward owes him a great deal. The 32nd is a better place because of Pat.
March 11, 2008 at 2:20 pm
leo
I was really surprised and saddened to hear this news. I appreciated the emails he’d send out announcing events.
March 11, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Kathleen
Rob-
Nice touch with the site header…a fitting tribute for an great man.
March 13, 2008 at 11:45 am
Matt Murphy
Nice post Rob. Pat was a good man and brilliant political tactician. He will be missed.
March 13, 2008 at 12:31 pm
robnesvacil
He still got beat by folks with initials like MM every now and then.
Thanks for the kind words during a tough week, Sen. Murphy.
May 7, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Local on the 8s « Illinois Reason
[...] Pat Botterman Leadership Award on Sunday, May 18th. This Leadership Award is intended to honor Pat’s legacy of mentoring, integrity and downright dedication. (Somewhere up above, Pat’s [...]
May 8, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Wheeling Dems donor drive - 50 state strategy in action « Illinois Reason
[...] The Wheeling Dems in particular will also be awarding the First Annual Pat Botterman Leadership Award to honor the legacy of the late, great Wheeling Township Committeman who died suddenly on March 10th. [...]
January 24, 2009 at 1:05 am
Happy Birthday Pat… « Illinois Reason
[...] January 24, 2009 in Democrats | by robnesvacil 2008 was bittersweet in a lot of ways. I lost way too many friends and family … someone every few weeks … including my Nana, my Grandpa, my wife’s cousin, and my good friend (everyone’s good friend) Pat Botterman. [...]