The Ridge Historical Society extends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of long-time Morgan Park resident Bill Barnhart who passed away in Florida on July 3.
Bill Barnhart, 74, was known for his long career as an expert in financial markets with the Chicago Tribune, CLTV cable news, and other media outlets. In the Ridge communities, he was known as a friend and neighbor.
Bill loved history as much as finance – he and his wife Kate Eaton were supporters of RHS for many years. Bill not only made great use of the RHS collection for research and writing, he served as RHS President in the early 2000s.
In 2010, he published “John Paul Stevens – An Independent Life,” the biography of another famous Beverly resident, U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Bill gave a standing-room-only presentation and book signing at RHS.
Bill also published “Kerner: The Conflict of Intangible Rights,” in 1999, about the past Illinois governor whose notable achievements were eclipsed by his conviction and incarceration for tax evasion and other charges.
Bill Barnhart’s contributions were greatly appreciated and will be very much missed. May he rest in peace.