Distinguished career in Cook County forest district

John O. Gabhart ~ 1937-2007

Family members of John O. Gabhart always said he moved from the small farming community of Spencer, Iowa, to the big city of Chicago, but he never lost his love of the land.

Mr. Gabhart made his career working for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, working his way up from a district forester to serving as liaison between the Forest Preserve District of Law Enforcement and the General Superintendent.

In all, Mr. Gabhart spent 33 years working for the forest preserve district. Upon his retirement, county officials presented him with a large plaque that detailed his years of service, describing him as a "sturdy fixture, trusted adviser and dedicated credit to the district."

Now, family members are cherishing such mementos from his long career in public service. Mr. Gabhart passed away Thursday. The former Buffalo Grove resident, was 70.

Most recently, Mr. Gabhart was an administrative assistant in Secretary of State Jesse White's office. He served as assistant to Gary Lazzarini, driver services director.

"He helped me prepare for meetings and for other assignments," Lazzarini says. "He was a very stable presence in the office, very loyal and dedicated. And he was always the first one to work in the morning."

He also spent time in the field, Lazzarini added, traveling to the different driver services facilities, getting feedback from the managers.

Mr. Gabhart's interest in government and public service began as a small child, family members say. While growing up on a farm in Iowa, he devoured books on politics and public figures.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Gabhart left home, settling first in California, before heading back to the Midwest, and connecting with relatives in Barrington, who had a farm.

Eventually, Mr. Gabhart was able to parlay his outdoor skills and working the land, into a job with the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

When Mr. Gabhart started in the district, Richard Ogilvie was the Cook County Board president. However, by 1970 when Mr. Gabhart was promoted to administrative assistant to the general superintendent, George Dunne had been elected president.

"George Dunne was his mentor," says his wife, Mary. "He worked very closely with George Dunne, and he always thought the world of him." Dunne died in 2006.

Near the end of his forest preserve career, Mr. Gabhart reported to former Cook County Board President, John Stroger, whose office orchestrated his elaborate retirement send-off.

"John never wanted any recognition," his wife adds. "He worked mostly behind the scenes, which is the way he wanted it. But he was a dedicated employee of the state and county for 40 years."

Besides his wife, Mr. Gabhart is survived by his son, Sean Tyler, of Phoenix; sisters, Diane Griffin and Jolene (Kent) Hott, and a brother, Don.

Services have been held.