HE Park District's Triphahn succumbs to cancer

A longtime Hoffman Estates Park District commissioner, who worked at building partnerships as much as he did parks and recreation facilities, passed away on Tuesday.

Scott Triphahn, a Hoffman Estates native, succumbed to stomach cancer after a 2½-year battle. He was 53.

His passing came only 10 days after an emotional dedication ceremony, when park officials renamed the community recreation center and ice arena in Triphahn's name.

More than 300 people attended, and while Mr. Triphahn himself did not meet with them, he was in attendance in a boardroom nearby.

“He watched the video and he heard all of the applause,” says Dean Bostrom, Hoffman Estates Park District executive director. “He knew what was going on.”

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod described Mr. Triphahn's passing as “a huge loss for the community.”

“He was one of the most influential figures in the history of Hoffman Estates,” McLeod said. “He transcended his role with the park district, and was involved in so many things in the village.”

He pointed to Triphahn's leadership role with the village's economic development commission, among others, the many buildings his engineering firm built in Hoffman Estates, and his good working relationship with village officials.

Park board colleagues concurred, describing Mr. Triphahn as a consensus builder, who worked well with all governmental entities.

“He brought people together,” said Commissioner Craig Bernacki. “He helped us see the big picture. He got us to understand that we could all agree to disagree but still respect one another, and move forward.”

Mr. Triphahn's involvement with the park district began as a volunteer coach, but he soon sought more.

“Scott grew up in the parks and had a real passion for it,” Bostrom said. “As an elected official, he always had his heart in the right place. He never was self serving, but did what was right for the children, for all the citizens of Hoffman Estates.”

Mr. Triphahn first was elected a park commissioner in 1997. He brought to the board his expertise as an engineer and a businessman. His company, W-T Engineering Inc. in Hoffman Estates employed more than 100 engineers.

In 1999, he became the founding president of the Friends of HE Parks Foundation, to provide opportunities for financially disadvantaged children to participate in park district programs.

Mr. Triphahn also was a big proponent of building the community recreation center and ice arena back in 2003. Colleagues credit him with bringing the Chicago Wolves to the facility as their practice site.

Mr. Triphahn is survived by his wife, Susan, and children Troy (Maren), Ryan and Jaclyn Triphahn.

Visitation will take place from 3-9 p.m. today, Thursday, at the Scott R. Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates.

Hoffman Estates police will provide traffic control, while shuttle buses will run continuously from the nearby Seascape Family Aquatic Center, 1400 Moon Lake Blvd.

A memorial service will be held 9 a.m. Friday at Harvest Bible Chapel, 800 Rohlwing Road, Rolling Meadows, followed by a funeral procession to Acacia Park Cemetery in Norridge.