Congressman Jackson Mourns Passing of a “Great Citizen”

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Contact: Rick Bryant, 708-798-6000

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. today issued this statement after learning about the death of his close friend, Bert Docter:

“Illinois lost a hero today.  Bert Docter was a great man, a great father, a great citizen, and a great leader.  Above all, he was a great friend to everyone who knew him, and, moreover, to millions of people who never did.

“No one – and I mean no one – worked harder than Bert Docter to improve public schools so that every child could get an education of equal high quality.  No one worked harder to bring pride, respect and economic opportunity to the Southland.  No one worked harder to bring about tax fairness – even if it meant his taxes would increase in order to help someone in need.

“Like someone else we honored earlier this week, Bert had a dream.  His dream was the American dream.  He devoted his life to achieving that dream, not for himself, but for others.
 
“Bert was gentleman, a visionary, a philanthropist and, above all, a tireless advocate for making life better for others.  God rest his soul.

“My heart and prayers and sympathy go out to his family, his many business partners, and his countless friends.”