A man who lived and loved Glen Ellyn

Beside my grandpa Jack Lancaster’s love for his family, the theme that strikes me most about my grandpa was his affection for the community of Glen Ellyn. Supporting the local businesses was very important to him. He knew most of the shop’s owners and employees by first name. He would always choose the mom-and-pop stores, if possible, over the big guys.

His groceries and meats came from McChesney and Miller, his morning bread and sweet rolls from the Flower Barrel, his drug prescriptions from Schmid Pharmacy, his ties and sport coats from the former Dean’s and Bob Horsley’s. All the restaurants, including Tap House and Glen Oak Restaurant were nightly visits for him and his spouse. His first, last and every haircut came from the same barbershop and barber at Busy Bee.

He understood that spending locally would contribute to the community’s future success. So he did. He loved our community’s public recreation, service opportunities and schools. He preferred to golf at the Village Links. He served as president of the Glen Ellyn Amateur Athletic Association and as an elected commissioner of the Glen Ellyn Park District for six years.

Also, he served as a Little League Baseball manager for many years. He spent much of his weekends in the bleachers as a booster cheering on his favorite team and school, Glenbard West. He worked every day until his death and never retired from the insurance business. He chose to have his office window at Main St. and Crescent Blvd., in the center of town.

I think he enjoyed keeping an eye out over the community. From that spot, he could see the entire town that he loved. Jack Lancaster was born June 16, 1929 and died April 23, 2011. He had lived in Glen Ellyn since 1937.

Joe McKay

Glen Ellyn