Lake County's F.T. 'Mike' Graham dies

A public servant for parts of five decades, F.T. "Mike" Graham is being remembered as a pioneer of Lake County's open-space movement.

Graham -- a former Lake County Board member and longtime Libertyville Township supervisor -- died Saturday at the Winchester House nursing home in Libertyville. He was 80.

For many, Graham's name was synonymous with open-space protection in Lake County. He was passionate about protecting land for future generations.

"Many people in Lake County enjoy forest preserves now that were purchased while Mike was on the board," forest district spokesman Andy Kimmell said.

Graham served two terms as Libertyville Township's supervisor, from 1969 to 1989 and again from 1997 to 2003. He also served simultaneously on the county board and forest board, which consist of the same members.

Graham's efforts to fight development and preserve green space in Lake County -- through both the forest district and township -- dated back to the 1970s.

His successes included the 1985 creation of the Libertyville Township Open Space District, the first such district in Illinois. The district has since bought hundreds of acres.

A grove of trees on district land now bears his name.

Graham withdrew from political life after a 2002 stroke and other health issues.

Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Burnett Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. Prayers will be said there at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

A funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville.

Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 116 N. Lake St., Mundelein, IL, 60060; or the Liberty Prairie Conservancy, 32400 N. Harris Road, Grayslake, IL, 60030.