McHenry Times

State Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) honored the life of Harlow “Bud” Swartout Jr. with great reverence during the May 29 House floor debate.

Passing HR 779 in honor of Swartout, who passed away in November 2017 at the age of 90, Reick detailed the life of the Galesburg resident, who was better known as “Bio Bud” by his friends and students.

“He graduated from Galesburg High School, where he played football, wrestled and competed in track and field and went onto Drake University with a football scholarship until he was drafted into the army during World War II,” Reick said.

After graduating from Illinois State University, Swartout married his wife JoAnn Sterling in 1951.

“They were parents to Jerry and Nancy and grandparents to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren,” Reick said.

Reick concluded by saying that Swartout began teaching biology in Woodstock in 1954 and became known as Bio Bud for instilling the love of the subject in his students.

“He volunteered as a scorekeeper for over 50 years, Reick said, adding that a coaching scholarship remains in his name for a student of academic and athletic excellence. "The press box of Woodstock High School Football Field is named in his honor."