Opinion

Bob Walgren's contributions were many

Posted January 09, 2017 12:00 am

I was saddened as I read the Dec. 28 Neighbor Section of the Daily Herald. Page one of that section was devoted to notable deaths in DuPage County during 2016. I expected to see mentioned my - and DuPage County's - dear friend, Bob Wahlgren.

Bob was a business man and banker who felt he had been given a blessed life and wanted to share his good fortune by helping others. Early on, Bob chaired the Glen Ellyn United Way Campaign and volunteered for the American Red Cross.

In 1988, Bob co-founded Bridge Communities. What started as a compassionate outreach to help one homeless family regain a stable life grew into one of the largest providers of homeless services in the Chicago suburbs. Bob helped guide that growth for nearly 25 years.

In addition, Bob served as Executive Director of C.H.A.D (Community Housing Association of DuPage) for over 15 years. Over that time, C.H.A.D. grew from housing 100 families to over 400 families. Bob was always looking for a better way to serve people in need of affordable housing.

Bob was a notable affordable housing advocate and cared deeply about the mission. He was my friend and it was my honor to work beside him.

Mark Milligan

Co-founder and president

Bridge Communities

Wheaton

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