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Bartlett's former mayor, 'living legend' recognized for public service

Another feting of Bartlett's legendary former mayor, known around town as "Tik," drew family, friends and even a U.S. congressman at village hall.

Bill Tiknis seemed to do it all: serving as a volunteer fireman, village trustee and, a decade later, Bartlett's mayor until 1977. Oh, and he found time to launch the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

After Tiknis suffered a stroke last Easter Sunday, the tributes to his legacy started rolling in. Hanover Township renamed its Bartlett campus after Tiknis, a former supervisor. And Tiknis' buddies raised donations for a special plaque, now installed by a white gazebo in Bartlett Park.

Most recently, Tiknis received two standing ovations at a village board meeting last month, when Bartlett trustees recognized his more than five decades in public office.

"He is a true living legend in the village of Bartlett," said U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, reading from a congressional proclamation toasting his accomplishments.

Trustees gave Tiknis time at the podium, too, although some joked they would shut off the microphone if the former mayor, known for wordy speeches, spent a little too long addressing the gathering.

"I probably don't deserve this honor, but then again I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that either," he said to laughter.

"Bartlett," he continued, "has been good to me and my family."

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