Rest in Peace Chris Gillott
You probably don't know him by name, but no doubt you've seen his work if you've spent any time in Chicago:
- Fourteen years ago, a Chicagoan named Walter Payton died too young. Touched, an electrician decided to use the windows of a downtown building as an overnight memorial, lighting up Blue Cross-Blue Shield Tower with the “34“ the beloved Bears running back wore on his jersey.
Just last week, that electrician, a Chicagoan named Chris Gillott, died too young. Touched, the workers he supervised decided to light up the side of that building — his building — with a tribute to the colleague and friend who started a tradition.
An example of his work:
Mr. Gillott worked at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield building pictured on the far right of the photo with the star numbers. According to the article, he designed the first BCBS Building display of a giant "34" honoring Walter Payton and was instrumental in hundreds of displays in the intervening years, including the Police Memorial Week displays. Godspeed sir.
Labels: events
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
17 Comments:
This photo still pulls at my heart strings. May you rest in peace at the side of the Lord.
And I ask that every member of the Chicago Police Department's extended family keep his family in our prayers.
Clever, Caring and a CPD Booster. R.I.P. Chris and Thanks.
Post his Sevices ,So We can pay our Respects.
RIP, you made a difference. Few do so.
Saw that while working special the other night. RIP Chris.
It would be a fitting tribute to have a Chicago Police escort at his funeral - at least 1 car but I am sure we are short because of Safe Passage.
Rest in eternal peace Chris. Thank you for the work you have done for us. May the Good Lord watch over your family during this very difficult time.
RIP to one of the good guys.
These acts of caring and kindness often go without credit to the originator.
Now we know the rest of the story.
Thanks SCC, Rest in Peace Mr. Gillott.
Sorry to see him go.
Great job Chris!, I'll be looking to the heavens for more displays. Condolences to family and retired P.O. Dave Gillott.
A memorial mass was held on December 7 but his Guest book remains open at the following Link:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/guestbook.aspx?n=christopher-gillott&pid=168359022&page=5#sthash.gTAX6aH9.dpbs
I'm sure the family would appreciate CPD condolences
All too often these guys are the unsung heroes of the POLICE and want nothing in return. Maybe one of our Fraternal organizations such as FOP, PBPA, all of our ethnic organizations can get a plaque made up in his honor and present it to his family thanking him in some way. Please don't let this get away, maybe a little whistle to SNEED, HUH ? Second City Brothers.
A true gentleman!
Condolences to his family & friends.
Thank you Sir and rest in peace.
Thank you so much for making our beautiful skyline even more fantastic. You have touched every Chicagoan that has gazed on your work. Rest in peace and God bless your family.
Thank you for your services. You will be remembered. Prayers for his family.
The guy honored plenty of Police Officers over the years. I would contribute something to honor him. Scholarship fund or something.
Now instead of Fat Phil gorging himself on steak, I would have no problem with CPD Memorial making a contribution to cancer research or something decent and honorable as a way of saying thank you.
Rest in Peace fellow Chicagoan.
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