Farewell to Russ Kraly, Director of Community Services | Enjoy Your Retirement

Mayor Ford’s remarks from the September 19th Board of Trustees Meeting:

Thank you to Russ Kraly! 

This is Russ’ last Riverwoods Board meeting – at least I think it’s his last - , I wanted to say a personal “thank you” for sticking around. Russ and I worked together during my Plan Commission days, he cooked lunch with my husband when Mike was the Village Clerk, and stood by me as I entered my time as Mayor.

Russ is the great mediator. Russ retired once from Riverwoods, but then answered the call when the Village found itself without a Director of Community Services – and as a practical matter, without a building department. He’s lived Riverwoods’ history – the good, the bad and sadly, sometimes the ugly. His time was up, but he agreed to stay on with me. I’ve had more than one resident express gratitude for his even-handedness, his willingness to find a way to help, and generally, his ability to see both sides of an issue. He’s helped me get my feet on the ground, calmed the storms, and was generous with his advice – he is, after all, a Mayor of his community, too. 

Russ, you will be missed - greatly.

Sometimes only a man’s work is what is missed, but with Russ, I will especially miss the man, as I think we all will.

Thank you, Russ.

Photo:  Russ Kraly thanking the Board at the October 17th Board of Trustees Meeting.