The Palos Park village council said its goodbyes to outgoing commissioner G. Darryl Reed.
After 15 years as a commissioner on the council, Reed announced at the April 27 meeting that he was leaving the board citing health reasons and wanting to be around for his family.
He said he would stick around throughout the May meetings, but the May 25 meeting was cancelled due to the Memorial Day holiday and will not be made up. So, the May 11 meeting was his last and Reed was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters.
Though Reed has had some serious health issues over the years, he told the audience he is not dying.
“It’s been an honor, pleasure and a privilege to serve my fellow citizens of Palos Park,” he said. “During some of my lowest times, I could always come here and get uplifted by my co-workers.
“My colleagues have picked me up when I have been down. Hopefully I have done the same for them. So, I’m not dying. I’m just going home. My family needs my undivided attention and I need to try to stay above ground, too, for a little while longer.”
He stuck around the council for a little while longer than he expected to.
In December 2021, he was battling illness and announced he was not going to run for reelection.
One year later, he changed his mind when Milovich-Walters ran for mayor and asked him for his help and to stay on. So, he agreed and ran unopposed and was re-elected in 2023. When he was elected, he said he would give the council a strong effort and he served three years of this term.
A new trustee will be voted on, likely at the June 8 meeting, to finish his term, which lasts through 2027.
During the public comment portion of the May 11 meeting, resident Theresa Gavin, who worked for the village for five years, expressed her appreciation for Reed.
“Thank you for your years of dedication, your service and leadership,” she told Reed. “Your vast knowledge, professionalism and integrity and genuine respect for others always stood out.
“I respect the way that you carried yourself in the role as commissioner here. Your commitment to our community and thoughtful approach to every discussion made a lasting impact on both the village and those fortunate enough to work alongside you.”