John E. McGovern ’53

John “Jack” E. McGovern died April 10, 2007, following complications from lung cancer.

He majored in engineering and graduated with honors. Upon graduation, he served in the Navy, spending time on a destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. Once discharged, he attended Harvard Law School, returned to Chicago, and ultimately settled in Lake Forest, Ill.

Jack was a partner at the law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon, specializing in corporate law and securities. He was a recognized mentor to new attorneys.

Among his many civic contributions, Jack was a Lake Forest alderman who produced significant ordinances on the preservation of historic properties; a board member of Lake Forest Hospital and Lake Forest College; a trustee of Ravinia Music Festival; and a director of the Chicago Heart Association. Jack enjoyed bridge, golf, skiing, trout fishing, and hunting with his dog, Oakley.

He is survived by Karen, his wife of 41 years, and their children, John E. III ’91 and Courtney.

Classmates Bruce Arnold, Ernie Bryant, Pete Carney, Brad Glass, Bob Hauptfuhrer, Cowles Herr, Ned Jannotta, Bill “Ghost” Lewis, Ian MacFarlane, Jack Mills, Bill Ogden, Rory O’Neil, Jim Otis, Peter Ross, and Buzz Taylor, flew to Illinois for the funeral of their good friend, “McGov.”