True Renaissance Man, Popular Lake Forest City Employee Bobby Wilkins Leaves Behind Enduring Legacy That Touched Most Residents of Every Walk Of Life

By DYLAN JORDAN

When we contemplate what defines us as human beings, what’s truly important?

Is it our “accomplishments?” Is it our “status” in the community? Is it the material possessions we’ve accumulated over time?

Long time Lake Forest city employee and Waukegan resident, Bobby Wilkins, who passed away at the tender age of 44, what defined him transcended many of the trappings that so many of us often times fall into so easily.

Bobby Wilkin’s was defined by his easy smile, his effortless ability to befriend anyone (regardless of social status). Like the protagonist in Rudyard Kipling’s legendary poem “If,” Bobby Wilkin’s could walk with Kings but was a kind, helpful and mostly unconditional friend to most anyone he encountered. Bobby’s friendly, “can-do” attitude transcended any and all perceived social barrier’s and his willingness to contribute in all scenario’s and...to both children and adults, was part of what made him both endearing as well as a person everyone just wanted to befriend.

With a penchant for good humor and a hands-on approach to life, Bobby defined the epitome of Carpe Diem, utterly seizing and savoring each moment of life at every opportunity. The ultimate Dad and Husband, Bobby’s unconditional love for his children, Teagan, Aiden & Bryant, his lovely wife Kristel, and his parent’s, Bob and Linda and the rest of wife Kristel’s family, meant the world to him. It was certainly no secret that Bobby gave of his time unconditionally and what he gave of himself was his truest equity in life.

The ultimate Renaissance Man, Bobby was just as comfortable as a formidable negotiator as both a VP and President of the local association for his fellow maintenance employee’s as he was personally grooming an ice skating pond. Whether working at the beach, or ensuring the Lake Forest athletic fields were up to standards, or deploying his acting skills by role-playing the part of a difficult employee (the opposite of what he was), during assessment centers for higher level management positions, Bobby once again defined the phrase: “Team Player.”

According to Director of HR for the city of Lake Forest and good friend, DeSha Kalmar:

“It seems that everyone has a favorite story about Bobby. Bobby always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His department head Sally Swarthout said that Bobby truly showed his inner child and was such a delight to work with.”

That sentiment was also echoed by Officer Ben Grum, a Police Officer (And also a former volunteer Firefighter) who knew Bobby well and shared many a memory with him and appreciated Bobby’s friendship as well as his ability to brighten everyone’s day with his quick wit, humor and by being the genuinely down to earth good guy that he was.Anyone who knew Bobby, also knew that he was a wonderful Mentor to his children on infinite levels.

Kalmar went on to explain: “Before he was officially an employee, Bobby literally grew up in our City organization because his dad Bob, was a firefighter and then retired as Fire Chief. This played a big part in his dedication and devotion to his job and colleagues.”

Bobby devoted endless hours of his time and heart to Most Blessed Trinity Academy, where his children attend school, as the Athletic Director, board member of the school board and parents association and stagehand, set builder and jack-of-all-trades for many of the school’s drama performances. Bob was always giving his time and his talents and was happiest when singing in the choir, acting with his wife and kids or competing in rib cook-offs.

Speaking of which, Bobby’s BBQ Team took Top Honor’s in 2013 and took second place in 2014, after representing Lake Forest, while partnering with Fleet. The Pig Trophy was proudly displayed at Bobby’s wake.

Bobby loved to sing and his Tenor voice will forever be remembered joyously heard throughout the choir at Most Blessed Trinity Church.

From set design for his children’s plays, to his “Pride And Performance” theme song celebrating significant events in Lake Forest, Bobby Wilkin’s gave unconditionally at every turn.

So today, I ask you, the reader to assist me in forming a groundswell of support for Bobby’s lovely family.

A true Angel on earth, Bobby left a legacy that can never be broken and will be cherished in the hearts of every friend and family member and community member of Lake Forest who were delighted by the shining beacon of light that Bobby projected consistently through his actions, contributions to the entire Lake Forest community and his good intentions in every aspect of his life.

Bobby Wilkins truly walked the walk.

If you’ve read this far, I ask on behalf of Bobby’s widow and family that you contribute whatever your comfortable providing, whatever is in your heart so as to assist the Wilkin’s children by going to:

http://www.gofundme.com/bobwilkins