IN MEMORIAM Robert Artz 1931 - 1979

Memory. It is the treasure-house of the mind, wherein the monuments are kept and preserved.

Robert Artz created many memories. His tenure as a parks and recreation executive is virtually unmatched, yet ended too abruptly.

He was an ambassador of the national leisure movement, and most recently strengthened the Illinois Park District system through his hard work and preserverance.

The Members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association had very special feelings for Bob Artz. His willingness to share his experiences were accepted for their stimulating quality.

Bob's professional qualities extended to personal friendships across the State of Illinois and the nation. Young professionals and newly elected officials listened intently to his perceptive decision-making abilities.

As we reflect on his memory, we are mindful of the expertise he exhibited in a masterful approach to park and recreation legislation, public awareness, communications ... the vital qualities of a succesful organization.

The Rev. Patrick Tarrant of St. Ann's Cathedral in Great Falls, Montana eloquently spoke of Bob and his untimely death. "We look for answers and they aren't there...but he had the quality of life, and for this let us be eternally grateful... he lived with gusto and his energy expounded."

The memories that we will personally preserve about Bob Artz are his outstanding leadership traits, his understanding, his candor, his strong will, his high standards, and his dedication to the betterment of parks and recreation services. Whatever he was involved with, he did with absolute aggressiveness, fortified by a desire to attain his stated objective.

His integrity is unmatched and created an example that we all wish to personify. He instilled the positive attitude regarding life, as well as in the parks and recreation profession, without losing sight of its humbling effects.

Memory. It is the treasure-house of the mind, wherein the monuments are kept and preserved.