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Health & Fitness

A Tribute to the late Cal Tobin Highland Park Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem

A Tribute to Cal Tobin

Cal Tobin was a City Builder

Cal Tobin passed away recently after succumbing to cancer.

I was sad to hear this as I counted Cal as a friend, mentor and role model. Cal served as a Highland Park City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem for 15 years during the 1970’s and 80’s.

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Prior to being elected to the Council he served as Chairman of the Design Review and Planning Commissions. During his tenure Highland Park went through a transformation in large part due to his expertise and vision.

Cal had a 50 year career as an architect and was honored and well respected by his peers, being named as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. His specialty was designing hospitals. Cal’s work in the Chicago area includes Michael Reese, Weiss, Gottlieb Memorial and Christ Hospitals, to name a few. I am certain he went home every day personally gratified that he was helping people through providing facilities engaged in healing.

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He contributed his expertise to Highland Park through much of his adult life. During his tenure the City established a TIF district and purchased land to spur the development of Port Clinton Square, the signature space in our downtown. He envisioned a gathering place where friends and family could congregate, shop and be entertained. He also was aware that office space up above would provide the City with noon time shoppers.

Cal was also involved with the City’s commitment to fair and affordable housing. One of the models for senior housing, Peers, was constructed during his time in office. After elective office he continued to invest his time in the community. Cal was a member of the Community House Board of Governors of the where he oversaw the renovation of this vital community asset, now home to the Music Institute of Chicago. He also was one of the first people to see the potential for an arts campus and advocated for the purchase of the Legion Hall, now the Art Center, and the Highland Park Theatre.  

Sadly his vision and dream for an arts campus has not been realized with the shuttering of the Theatre. We would honor his legacy if the City would bring this idea to fruition.

Cal also was an advocate for the development of Renaissance Place another transforming element of our downtown. His continued interest in Highland

Park demonstrated a genuine love for his City.  Cal served in the Navy during World War II Cal also committed himself to his Alma matter, the University of Michigan where he was a cheerleader. He also became its biggest booster as President of the Alumni Association.

Cal always had a smile on his face on Saturday afternoons when his Wolverines were successful on the gridiron. 

Cal was a charitable person involved as a leader in several organizations including: President of the Young Men’s Jewish Council; Board Member of the Jewish Community Centers; Trustee of Ravinia Festival; and Steering Committee Member of Kohl’s Children’s Museum. While all of the above speak to Cal Tobin’s character and commitment, more important to me were his candor, friendship and decency.

While I was Mayor and after Cal lost his lovely wife Joan, (also a good hearted person engaged in the profession of psychiatric social work), we would meet for lunch and dinner from time to time. Cal never held back giving me his opinion on my actions as Mayor or that of the City Council. When I struggled with chronic pain he took a personal interest and would call with suggestions he had read about or knew of for pain relief. He was a kind and caring person. Cal also was a proud parent and grandfather.

His children and grandchildren have followed in his footsteps as accomplished professionals and caring individuals. His grandson Matthew, who grew up with my son, as I write, is in the M.D. PhD program, as you may have guessed, at the University of Michigan Medical School. Cal Tobin helped build a community where life is well lived not only for all of us but for future Highland Parkers as well. His legacy looms large and he will be missed.

Thank you Cal.

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