Saying Good-bye to a Good Guy

In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony speaks at Caesar’s funeral using this famous quote, “…The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” It may have been true in Shakespeare’s day, but I am thrilled to report not in Gurnee, IL. If you not one of the multitude who shared the loss of Richard Welton, I want you to know he left us with a resounding tribute ringing in his ears.

Mayor Welton (the only way I addressed him) was one of the Good Guys. Not a perfect man, but who is, really? Yet, the people who knew him and I am lucky to be counted in that large group of people, thought he was the best. The word that comes closest is a visionary and it has been used a lot since his death on July 31^st. I left his funeral just an hour ago and there was not a dry eye in Gurnee Community Church. Yes, this was a completely bias, standing room only crowd of mourners. These were his people. Friends he grew-up with, family members, community leaders, Village employees, intergovernmental agencies, church congregation, and of course, residents who knew him well.

You see everyone he met, he treated as a friend. He had a kind word for everybody, Except for, maybe the naysayers who did not love Gurnee like he did. Welton never hesitated to speak his mind or convince you to see it his way. No one loved Gurnee more than he did during his life. He became the Mayor in 1973 at just 30 years old. He held the job for 28 years. His vision allowed for Great America, Gurnee Mills, residential expansion, the retail corridor of Grand Avenue, and the extension of the Village to Route 45, to name a number of his accomplishments. The most important thing is he did it without abandoning the true essence of his home town.

As he was laid to rest, he was honored by his community in the most meaningful way possible. Memories were shared publicly and privately, tears were shared with family and friends, and everyone came together in droves to show their respect and love. I did say, love. To know him was to love him. He had a heart of gold, loved his family without reason, served his community with distinction, and was a kind and caring man, always.

So, some people may have to leave this Earth without anyone remembering what good works they accomplished in their life. However, that is not the case for Dick Welton. His death at 72 years of age almost seems premature. We will miss you greatly, Mayor.