Remembering ELPC Founding Board Chair Bob Wilcox
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I want to let ELPC’s “extended family” know the sad news that our founding Board Chair Bob Wilcox passed away on March 5th after a long illness. Bob was in his 80s and lived in the Chicago suburbs.
Bob was a mentor, wise adviser and guide, Board Chair and friend to me in starting and building the new Environmental Law & Policy Center. Indeed, Bob would smile as I characterize him as a “co-conspirator”. He had a wry (and wicked) sense of humor beneath his calm and formal-looking presence.
Bob has proudly stayed on top of ELPC’s progress as our Chair Emeritus and has long provided valued advice and ideas. Bob was a “sage” in so many ways.
Throughout his distinguished career, Bob was a true civic leader. He was a highly regarded attorney and businessperson, and he served in numerous public and governmental capacities including Chair of the Chicago Mayor’s Task Force on Energy (1986-89) and Director of Insurance for the State of Illinois (1974-76). Bob also served as the Co-Founder of Protestants for the Common Good, President of the Board of the Chicago Educational Television Association (WTTW/Channel 11), Chair of the Board of WFMT fine arts radio station, President and Director of the Community Renewal Society; and President and Director of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations.
We deeply miss Bob Wilcox as a friend and a leader. Many in the Chicago civic community will miss his dedication and effectiveness. Bob helped to make the world a better place, and all of us will miss his presence and all that he has done and would have continued to do.
All of our best wishes and hopes to Bob’s wife Susanne and to his sons David, Bob, Steve and Brian and daughter Kathy, and their respective families, in these challenging and difficult times.
We mourn Bob’s passing as we celebrate his life’s work of civic, environmental and clean energy leadership and accomplishments. ELPC is a special part of his legacy, which we greatly appreciate.
You can learn more about Bob’s many civic contributions from the obituaries in the Chicago Tribune and Wilmette Talk.
