A steward of the arts in Dist. 54
Former colleagues of Archie Wilson of Hanover Park this week are remembering the talented fine arts director who served Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 from the early '70s to the mid-'90s.
Wilson, 66, died Sunday after a long illness that affected his life to some extent through most of his retirement. He'd taken advantage of an early retirement package offered to employees between the ages of 50 and 55 back in 1994.
Bill Eliasek, an arts teacher at Addams Junior High from 1969 to 2001, knew Wilson throughout Wilson's time with the district and beyond.
"He was a very mild-mannered but humorous person," Eliasek said of Wilson. "He had great people skills. He had a big concern that people work together well."
Wilson is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judith, who taught in the district's Fox Elementary School in Hanover Park and retired the same year as Eliasek.
Eliasek said he and his wife shared many interests with the Wilsons and would swap stories about trips and cruises with them whenever they ran into them during their post-retirement years.
Wilson was an active member of Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church in Schaumburg from 1971 until his illness interfered. He took part in the church's education department, helping to start the Christian Corner Children's Center.
Other survivors include his four children, of whom the oldest, Julia Gorvett, also became a teacher in District 54 at Nerge Elementary School in Roselle.
Wilson also has seven grandchildren and a sister, Rita, and brother, Earle. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven, and both parents.
A memorial and a celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church at 1600 W. Schaumburg Road. Gravesite services were private.
Memorials in Wilson's name may be made to Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church; Christian Corner Children's Center at Our Redeemer's; VITAS Hospice Charitable Fund at 580 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 100, Lombard, IL 60148; or any children's charity of one's choice.
For more information, call (630) 289-8054.