Memorial service set for former Grayslake mayor Marv Smith
A memorial service this week will honor the late Marvin "Marv" Smith, a former Grayslake mayor who served the community as an educator and civic leader.
The village announced Smith's death in a post on its website Tuesday. Smith served one term as mayor from 1989 to 1993.
Smith died on March 26, 2020, from injuries he sustained in a fall at his home in Arizona, according to the Arizona funeral home organizing his memorial. A Camino Del Sol Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center representative said many memorials were delayed during the pandemic. Smith's is scheduled for Friday in Arizona.
He was 79.
Many residents knew Smith best as a Grayslake Community High School teacher who educated teenagers for 30 years. He taught instructional materials, speech and computer science and served as a librarian.
Glenn Watt, whose own 31-year tenure at Grayslake Community High overlapped with Smith's, said Smith was a civic-minded, gregarious guy who was easy to work with.
"He loved the village of Grayslake, and I think he wanted to do his part," Watt said. "And, being a teacher, I think it was natural for him to be helpful."
In addition to his time as mayor, Smith served several terms as a trustee on the village board and as a commissioner on the village planning commission and zoning board of appeals.
Smith also was involved in many community organizations, including the Illinois Education Association, the National Education Association, the Grayslake Historical Society, the American Librarians Association, the Actors Equity Union, the Grayslake Faculty Association, the Grayslake Jaycees and the Grayslake Lions Club. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan from 1957 until he moved to Arizona in 1998.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church, located at 410 Grand Ave. in Waukegan.
"Mayor Smith was truly dedicated to serving his community," current Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said. "Grayslake is truly better today because of his service."