Illinois Democrats were dealt some heartbreaking news yesterday as the death of longtime Democratic faithful, Patrick Botterman's was announced.
Illinois Democrats were dealt some heartbreaking news yesterday as the death of longtime Democratic faithful, Patrick Botterman's was announced. Botterman, who ran more Democratic campaigns than one could count dies of a massive heart attack Monday morning. The Daily Herald is has done a report on Botterman's death, it reads:
Harper College trustee and Wheeling Township Democrat Committeeman Patrick Botterman died of a massive heart attack Monday.
Botterman, 44, a lifelong Arlington Heights resident, leaves behind a long resume of Cook County politicking. He ran campaigns for Melissa Bean, Chicago 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack, Dan Kotowski’s state Senate run in Park Ridge, and Republican Wheeling Township Supervisor Michael B. Schroeder when he ran for but lost the Arlington Heights village president seat to Arlene Mulder in 1993.
"I think Patrick Botterman is the single most influential political mind in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago," friend and Democratic strategist Kevin Lampe, 46, of Chicago said.
Botterman was a Harper College trustee from 1998 to 2003 and was recently re-elected to the seat.
Moreover, Illinois Rep. John Fritchey also took time to remember his long time friends and confidant Patrick Botterman:
Pat is the one person in politics who I have ever met who would NEVER back away from a fight, big or small, as long as he believed in it. For that trait, many loathed him. For that trait, I will always respect him.
But if you really knew him, you knew that he was as genuine, as solid, a person as you could ever hope to meet. Stoic, loyal, fiercely independent, unflappable, he was great at what he did in politics, and loved doing it.
Here is a piece written by Chicago Democrat Dave Seman, who was much more familiar with the late Pat Bonnerman.
My memories of Pat....
I first met Pat in 2003 while he was managing Carol Braun's bid for the Presidency. Pat had a fire in his belly to take on challenges that others thought were pointless fights. Pat was the liberal we need in our party-intelligent, well spoken, and unmeasurable strategically. I was honored for the time I got to spend with him. I learned more about campaign strategy watching him work on a long shot city council race in Chicago than in 4 years of Political Science classes. We won that race by 121 votes. Whether I was in between jobs and looking for work and Pat sent me somewhere to 'keep the lights on' or I was on the road campaigning for Hillary Clinton, Pat always answered the phone and talked through any issue I had. Since my move to Chicago politics, I have not made a professional decision in my young career without seeking the counsel of Pat Botterman
For those who knew Pat, knew his loyalty....he provided guidance and assistance to anyone who needed it. In politics there are few people who are friends, many acquaintances, tons of contacts, but very few friends. I lost my Friend this week. Over the past couple of days I have talked to a few people who were close to Pat, closer than I, and we all agreed; the world is a better place because of Pat and a lesser place without him. It is all of our duties now to live the model life of issues advocacy and fighting for our causes that Pat taught us.
I will miss you sir. There is no one I would rather sit in a fox hole with......
"It's us against them, we gotta fight" -Pat Botterman
Thank You Hyerstandard.com for giving me the chance to write and post this,
-Dave Seman
Botterman was truly loved by more then one could possibly count. Personally I was not all that familiar with Botterman, while I had heard his name on numerous occasions I am so new to the city of Chicago I never really got the chance to see him in his glory. However I am close with people that did in fact see this mans magic in the real time, and judging from their grief, you have to recognize that the man was special. You can find the visitation and funeral schedule for Mr. Botterman below.
Visitation will be held for Pat as follows:
Friday, March 14
3:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Glueckert Funeral Home
1520 North Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois
And the funeral will take place...
Saturday, March 15, 2008 — 9:30 a.m.
Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church
34 West Park Street
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
(847) 253-5353