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Gilliam's love for Elgin remembered

Robert "Bob" Gilliam wasn't ever concerned with making popular choices, or ones that would garner him the most votes or campaign contributions - the only thing he cared about was acting in the best interest of the city of Elgin.

Those sentiments were echoed time and again during the longtime former councilman's funeral Tuesday morning at Second Baptist Church of Elgin.

An honor guard comprising members of the Elgin police and fire departments paid its respects, and church deacon Mitch McCutchen sang Gilliam's favorite song, "People Get Ready" by Curtis Mayfield And The Impressions.

Gilliam, 69, died Dec. 30 in Mesa, Arizona. He was first elected at age 28 in 1973, the first black council member in Elgin and the longest-serving in Illinois outside of Chicago with a 40-year tenure.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne, daughter Soynia, son Tony, grandson Devin, sister Valerie and brother Joey.

Even in his youth, Gilliam stood out among his peers, said Mike Bailey, who grew up in the same neighborhood on Elgin's northeast side.

"There was a presence about this guy," said Bailey, who later worked with Gilliam when Bailey was managing editor of the Elgin Courier News. "I came to call it the ability to command a room. Just an electricity."

If there's a word that describes Gilliam, it's "mensch," a Yiddish term for a person of integrity and honor, said longtime friend Marvin Feinberg.

Gilliam had an exemplary commitment to Elgin and students of Elgin Area School District U-46, Feinberg said. The two worked together for the school district, from which Gilliam retired as assistant superintendent of human resources.

U-46 board member Traci Ellis remembered Gilliam as a practical mentor who kept her grounded and taught her how to be a leader.

"Bob taught me when to hold them and when to fold them. Bob taught me how to deal with difficult people," she said.

She also shared the words of one of Gilliam's closest friends, Renard Jackson of Elgin, who couldn't make the funeral.

Gilliam always saw the glass as half full, never had an ego, and connected with students with a winning combination of basketball and work ethic, Jackson said in words read by Ellis. "You had an undivided, unapologetic love for the city of Elgin," he said.

A true public servant, Gilliam worked hard to give Elgin good drinking water, safe roads and good government, always supporting schoolchildren and opening doors for equality, the Rev. Nathaniel Edmond said.

"He loved Elgin and he loved the people of Elgin," he said, later adding, "He may not have always done it the way you wanted him to, but he did his best. He may not have always got it right - but he did his best."

Gilliam's sister, Valerie, said she was grateful that, despite his failing health, he was able to attend a ceremony in September during which Elgin's city hall and municipal complex was renamed in his honor. For Christmas, he had asked for popcorn from Chicago's Garrett Popcorn Shops, one of his favorite things, she said.

"Wherever you are in this journey in the universe, when you get there, I am sure there is a big bucket of Garrett's popcorn waiting for you."

  Bob Gilliam attended a ceremony in September renaming Elgin City Hall and the municipal complex was renamed after him. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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