Larry McKeon H a life remembered Walking in Friendship · In Accomplishment · In Life · In Service Larry McKeon June 30, 1944 – May 13, 2008 Veteran · Police Officer · Elected Official · Friend Office of the Mayor City of Chicago As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I add my voice to the many paying tribute to the extraordinary life and career of the Honorable Larry McKeon. A proud veteran, former law enforcement official and dedicated public servant, Larry faithfully served the needs and concerns of fellow citizens throughout his life. As the City liaison to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities, he played an invaluable role in fostering cooperation, tolerance and understanding. As a pioneering State Representative, Larry was a strong and effective voice for his constituents and inspired us all with his selfless dedication to helping those in need. I send my condolences to the family and friends of Larry and hope you find comfort in his memory and the love he shared with you. His enthusiastic leadership and vision will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the communities and causes to which he dedicated himself so faithfully. Sincerely, Richard M. Daley Mayor General Assembly State of Illinois To the Family and Friends of Larry McKeon, As the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, I was honored to have served with State Representative Larry McKeon and to call him my friend. While it is true that Larry will be recorded in the annals of Illinois history as the first openly gay, HIV-positive lawmaker to serve in the General Assembly—a remarkable and important distinction, and the fact that may be most remembered—we should take care to never forget that he was also an exemplary human being and public servant. Larry comported himself in a reserved and determined manner, acutely conscientious of the weight resting on his shoulders. At the same time, he was a warm and compassionate man, employing reason, a dry wit and wonderful sense of humor to win over others and achieve his legislative objectives. He took the causes that he believed in very seriously, but never himself. He might well have, but he did not, and his self-effacement was another of his qualities that people found so appealing. Larry’s passing has deeply affected Illinoisans from across the state. This was particularly evident in the moving tributes he received from his legislative colleagues—Democrats and Republicans, from urban, suburban and rural communities—at a memorial service held on the House floor last month. They recognized that he blazed a path and set a very high standard for all elected officials to follow. More and more, Americans are coming to understand that diversity and tolerance of difference is a virtue and an incredible source of strength for our society. This growing awareness would not be possible were it not for the work of individuals like Larry and hundreds of thousands of others who, in large and small ways, each day work to break down the barriers to equality that is the American birthright. Though Larry will be profoundly missed, his legacy will live on through the eons. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss and sorrow. With kindest personal regards, I remain Sincerely yours, Michael J. Madigan Speaker of the House Richard J. Durbin US Senator for Illinois Dear Family and Friends of Larry McKeon, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of knowing Larry McKeon and I was greatly saddened by the news about his passing. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Larry McKeon dedicated his life to serving America through numerous roles including serving as an Army infantryman, a community activist and a State Representative. Within Illinois, Larry served as a State Representative for ten years and dedicated himself to improving the lives of the citizens of Illinois, particularly by expanding gay rights. His career was characterized by honesty, bravery, and devotion to all he served. Larry McKeon will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and it is our duty to carry on his legacy through continued service to others. Very truly yours, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator Barack Obama US Senator for Illinois Dear Friends, It is with heavy heart that I join in offering my sympathies for the loss of my friend, Larry McKeon. I remember his life, his passion, and his career with joy. As a State Representative for 10 years, Larry broke down barriers and was a true champion of progressive causes in Springfield and throughout the state of Illinois. While we mourn his loss, his memory is an inspiration to everyone who fights for LGBT rights. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and all who benefitted from his admirable service. His family and friends continue to be in my prayers. Sincerely, Barack Obama United States Senator Jan Schakowsky Member of Congress — 9th District, IL Dear Friends: In the day-to-day business of legislating in Springfield, it is easy to overlook the fact that the person next to you is a truly historic figure. But there were moments in the House of Representatives when it became clear that Rep. Larry McKeon was one of those figures. I remember when Larry gave one of the best speeches I had ever heard on the floor of the house of the Illinois House of Representatives, passionately arguing in favor of the non-discrimination amendment to Illinois’ Human Rights Act. He spoke in the first person, about the discrimination that he faced in his life as a gay man, about the challenge of seeking justice when the law is not on your side, about the fear and pain of being fired and being scorned. Larry’s words brought tears to my eyes but pride to my heart knowing that this struggle for human dignity had such an eloquent advocate in a seat of power. The final passage of that bill, signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich, is the enduring legacy of Larry’s pioneering and tireless work. I was fortunate enough to serve with Larry McKeon for a short time in the Illinois House. I considered him a friend as well as a colleague. He will be deeply missed. Sincerely, Jan Schakowsky Member of Congress Rahm Emanuel Member of Congress — 5th District, IL Family and Friends of Larry McKeon, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy on the passing of a great public servant, Larry McKeon. Larry served as a Member of the Illinois General Assembly for a decade, from January 1997 to January 2007. As the first openly gay member of the General Assembly, he broke down barriers and fought for equal treatment for all Illinoisans. In addition to pushing for an amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Larry was also instrumental in advocating for the expansion of Truman College. Larry worked tirelessly on behalf of the gay and lesbian community, immigrants, the homeless, seniors, workers, and more. He was a man who cared deeply about social justice, and his public service reflected his values. Through his commitment to service and our state, Larry made a lasting impact in Illinois, and we will miss him. Sincerely, Rahm Emanuel Member of Congress Gene Schulter Alderman - 47th Ward Dear Friends, I am writing today to express my deepest condolences to the family and supporters of my friend Larry McKeon. His passing on May 13, 2008 was a loss for the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and for all those fighting for social justice in our communities. I had the pleasure to serve the residents of the Ravenswood area alongside Larry when he was elected as the State Representative for the community in 1996 and as he continued to serve through 2006. In my experience, Larry constantly challenged politics as usual and fought for the disenfranchised of the community. It was an honor to serve with Larry and I will remember him fondly for the contributions he made to our City. Sincerely, Gene Schulter, Alderman, 47th Ward City of Chicago h Helen Shiller Alderman - 46th Ward On Wednesday, May 14, 2008 the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and the 46th Ward lost a true friend when State Representative Larry McKeon passed away. Larry served with great courage, integrity, honesty and compassion. As Illinois’ first openly gay State Representative he forged new paths and played the singularly most important role in passing the state’s Human Rights Law. As an elected official on Chicago’s north lakefront, he fought for increasing public health care, providing greater access from private health care providers, maintaining affordable housing and full funding for public education. Larry was truly a man of the people, at home in virtually every situation and with all people. His great heart – his giant intellect – and his compelling sense of humor will be sorely missed. It was an honor and a privilege to know Larry McKeon. I join with thousands of others in mourning this remarkable man’s passing. Helen Shiller Alderman - 46th Ward h Mike Quigley Commissioner - 10th District Cook County Board of Commissioners I share the sense of loss felt by all of Larry McKeon’s family and friends—Larry was an extraordinary individual and great leader. Over the years I attended many legislative hearings and community meetings with Larry, and at times during the last few years I could sense that he was sick and in pain. But he didn’t show it—he kept working and persevering, delivering on his pledges to the LGBT community and the community as a whole.