Willingness to volunteer was his hallmark

The former finance director of the Des Plaines Park District, who guided commissioners during its years of greatest growth, died Sunday.

Rich Gravesmill served as finance superintendent from 1981 to 2001, overseeing financial matters for such projects as the Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center - one of the first water parks operated by a park district - as well as the multiuse Prairie Lakes Community Center, which remains the district's most popular facility.

Colleagues say he also was involved in the purchase and financing of the Golf Center Des Plaines, a practice golf facility, which is unique to the Midwest with its year-round driving range with heated bays, and lighted, par-3 golf course.

Public officials mourned his passing this week. He was familiar presence at many Des Plaines events, including the city's July 4th festivities, which he co-chaired with Carol Shannon for the city's special events commission, and Des Plaines History Center events.

"We were lucky enough to have someone like him who donated all of his time back to the community," said Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia. "When you lose a guy like this, it takes five people to fill his shoes. He just had a willingness to contribute his time and effort."

Joy Mathiesen, executive director of the Des Plaines History Center, describes how Mr. Gravesmill had been interested in genealogy when he first visited the museum, but he wound up being one of their most dependable volunteers.

"He was a wonderful help, particularly when we moved into our new building," Mathiesen says. "He'd put up shelves and move things. He was just a go-getter who was eager to help with any project we had."

Park district officials said Mr. Gravesmill provided not only energy but vision in his financial role.

They describe him as one of the pioneers who established the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) in 1984 as an alternative to commercial insurance. Its purpose was for park districts across the state to pool resources in order to pay losses, purchase insurance and defend lawsuits brought against the members.

On Tuesday, funeral services still were pending.