Richard J. Kissel 1936-2013
Richard J. “Dick” Kissel, President of the Board of Directors of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation and a 45-year resident of Lake Forest, died in his home on March 23, from cancer. He was 76.
Mr. Kissel was an incredible man who succeeded in business, life, and philanthropy. Under Mr. Kissel’s leadership, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation expanded its community offerings, strengthened its financial position, and enjoyed increased participation by the area’s senior citizens.
Mr. Kissel was also a Director of the Board of the National Retirement Research Foundation. This followed a professional law career where he gained national prominence in establishing environmental law as a distinct and important practice area in the U.S. and across the globe.
Born in Chicago and raised on its West Side, Mr. Kissel’s hardworking parents believed their son’s education was the most important gift they could give him. After attending Western Military Academy in downstate Alton, Kissel earned his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, where he was President of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and was the first of his family to attend college. During his senior year he was Chairman of the famed student talent show, Waa-Mu. Mr. Kissel earned his law degree at Northwestern University, as well, graduating in 1961.
He moved his family to Lake Forest in 1967 in order to be closer to Abbott Laboratories, where he worked in the office of the general counsel. It was at Abbott where Mr. Kissel began to work on environmental issues for the company, and he attracted the attention of then-Governor Richard B. Ogilvie. Kissel was a co-drafter of the original Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and as a result of that was appointed by Governor Ogilvie to the first Illinois Pollution Control Board in 1970, the pre-cursor to the Environmental Protection Agency.
He entered private practice in environmental law in 1973. Since that time, he represented municipal and industrial clients in all aspects of environmental law, and was a frequent lecturer and writer on environmental law issues. With environmental law becoming increasingly important and Kissel’s expertise in the emerging field unequaled, he joined the Chicago office of Garner, Carton, and Douglas and became head of the firm’s management committee.
In addition, he was an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law and the University of Illinois School of Public Health. He was an author and contributor to the Illinois Continuing Legal Education series on environmental law for many years, and was recognized as one of Chambers USA's "Leaders in their Field" for Environment. He was recently recognized by both the Lake County and Illinois State Bar Associations for 50 years of distinguished service. He was a mentor to many and was especially proud of the talented attorneys he helped nurture in the early stages of their careers.
Kissel was a charter member of the Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, and a dedicated runner. An avid and lifelong golfer, he was a member of Knollwood Club and Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club (Stuart, FL), and held board positions at both organizations. He loved to needlepoint and his artistry in fine needlework and petit point was evident in purses, murals and other beautiful pieces. His craftsmanship as a woodworker was exceptional, making tables, beds, and fine clocks, and furniture for various family members.
His greatest joy in recent years was spending time with his grandchildren, whom he entertained at his homes in both Florida and Lake Forest. He is survived by his wife, Donna; their sons Roy (Susan) of Chicago and David (Susan) of Lake Bluff, and daughter Audrey (Patrick) of Los Angeles, California, as well as seven grandchildren.
Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation, 100 East Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045.