Buffalo Grove Park Commissioner Dies Of Heart Attack

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Just three days after being reelected to another term, Buffalo Park District Board of Commissioner Richard Drazner died of a heart attack on April 5, his wife Melissa Drazner said, according to The Chicago Tribune. Melissa said her husband, known as Rick to the Park District, had a heart attack on April 2 before dying three days later at the age of 58, according to the news report.

The Park District's website said Rick served on the board for 20 years before he was reelected at the beginning of the month.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral on April 8, Melissa said, adding that the couple was married for almost 34 years and have two children, Abigail and Jeremy. The Chicago Tribune reported that Rick was a lawyer and had his own practice for more than 25 years, Melissa said.

During his many years on the Park Board, Rick was a strong advocate for people with disabilities, as well as for the arts during his time on the board, the website said. The website also said Rick was most proud of Kendrigan Field at Twin Creeks Park, the field that Buddy Baseball uses, and bringing the Community Arts Center to Buffalo Grove.

"Rick was a kind person, who loved to make people laugh. His leadership within the community wasn’t limited to the Park District; he was a member of the Buffalo Grove Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove for many years, having served at one point as president of both organizations," the Park District said in a statement. "The Buffalo Grove Park District will forever be affected and impacted by the contributions of Rick Drazner."

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