Tribute to Mike McGrath

The  Taste of Park Ridge committee members are deeply saddened to learn of  the passing of our dear friend Mike McGrath.  I want to express just how  much Mike has meant to all of us   We always knew that if we needed  something important accomplished, that all we had to do was ask Mike.  

Since  he always encouraged us to do this, I’ve never felt especially guilty  doing so, although I probably asked more of him than I should have.  He  was exceptionally capable, efficient, reliable, kind, unselfish, and as  importantly, enthusiastic about the Taste, and for that matter,  virtually any endeavor that he attempted.  

Retired  from the Park Ridge Public Works Department, where he excelled as a  vehicle supervisor for over 30 years, Mike was a wizard with tools, and  has always been the epitome of a “hands on” guy.  

During  the Taste’s landmark WGN block party in 2017, who do you think was up  with a WGN staffer in a cherry picker, like Rudolph the Red nosed  reindeer guiding Santa on Christmas eve?  You guessed it-Mike McGrath! I  know beyond any doubt, that the enormously successful WGN TOPR  broadcast would never have occurred without Mike’s incredible efforts. 

Mike  was a “high octane” volunteer, who participated in more volunteer  organizations and projects than I could possibly include here. But to  name a few; Park Ridge Kiwanis, Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Holiday  Lights, Indian Princesses, Taste of Park Ridge-and the hits keep on  coming!  

He  was very simply, that remarkable individual that everyone “could always  count on.”  All of the members of our Taste team were blessed and proud  to work with Mike, and to call him our friend.  He will be missed  immeasurably.  Rest in peace my good friend.

Dave Iglow,

President,

Taste of Park Ridge, NFP