'The Judge' was an Elgin, Kane institution
Years ago, if you wanted to run for countywide office in Kane County, you'd first have to see “The Judge.”
But it didn't mean going to the courthouse.
It meant visiting Donald T. Anderson Sr. — himself a retired judge — for his support and access to the Republican base on the county's northern end.
“Donny was the political ‘Godfather' of the north end (of Kane County),” said Elgin attorney and lifelong family friend Garrett Malcolm. “If he backed you, that meant he'd call every precinct committeeman.”
Anderson died Friday from a long illness. He was 81.
Anderson, an Elgin resident and 1947 Elgin High School graduate, served 27½ years as an associate judge before his retirement on Aug. 31, 1984, and is credited with spearheading reforms to the judicial pension system in order to attract better judicial candidates.
Friends and colleagues also said Anderson was a staunch Republican, devoted family man, has a laser sharp memory and played drums in his spare time.
“It was uncanny,” said Gene Nottolini, who served as chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit from 1993 through 1996. “He had a mind that was like a steel trap. If you appeared before him (in court) or did business with him, he'd never forget.”
Nottolini said Anderson had vision problems, but it never affected his ability to rule from the bench.
“He worked hard his whole life. He didn't have a silver spoon. He worked his way up,” Nottolini said.
Malcolm said Anderson was extremely quick witted and wasn't subtle in his opinions. If he disagreed with something, he'd let you know.
Malcolm said one of Anderson's common sayings was, “Never take a shingle off another man's roof.”
Of course this had nothing to do with construction, but everything to do with how to treat others.
“He had a very large circle of friends and a great amount of influence with people,” Malcolm said. “He was just a real character. He would direct the conversation and there were no ifs, ands or buts about what his opinion was or what his decision was. He was rough and gruff, but soft on the inside. He really cared about the community and making sure the right thing got done.”
Anderson attended Elgin Community College, Northern Illinois University and John Marshall Law School. He also was a member of numerous service and social clubs, such as Medinah Shrine Club, VFW Post 1307, American Legion Post 2910, Moose Club 799, Elks Club 737, the Riverside Club, Elgin Country Club and had been the driving force behind the John Ericsson Republican League of Illinois.
F. Keith Brown, the 16th Judicial Circuit's current chief judge, said Anderson knew how to talk to young defendants to make sure they stayed out of trouble. He was practical and worked to build consensus in civil cases.
“He was able to get to the heart of the matter and come up with the appropriate remedy,” Brown said.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin, with a funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin, 60120 or to Medinah Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, 60707.