THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008

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Former Park District Leader Sues Passes Away

An era of leadership and volunteerism in the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District ended early in April with the death of Roy Sues, retired park board president.

A funeral was held Apr. 11 in Skaja Terrace Funeral Home.

Sues served as a park board commissioner for 12 years, from 1991-2003. He was board president in 1993 and 2001 and also served as vice president and treasurer.

He served the district in various elected and volunteer capacities for four decades. In a special tribute to him, the district said in a formal statement, "After retiring from the board, he would still attend meetings each month.

His keen sense of park district business was a valued resource to the board members and staff and will remain a lasting piece of history.

He was well respected not only in the park district, but throughout the City of Park Ridge."

Projects in which he played an important part include the Thor-Guard Lightning Prediction System, the stage addition at the Senior Center, prairie restoration project, the skate park, Emerson Middle School soccer field project, and the automatic doors at the Senior Center.

He served on the first committee that formed the Senior Center in 1979, and later served as president. He helped many seniors with their income tax returns, and was a member of the center's Senate Advisory Group and Men's Club. "Roy had a broad outlook of the community and a great personality," said Teresa Grodsky, senior center coordinator. "He was a sincere person and a mentor to all ages. He was ageless, which made him so charming. He was extremely fair and when necessary he was all business."