Wally Van Buren, Board of Trustees President, passes away

Wallace “Wally” D. Van Buren passed away on Thursday, January 11. Wally was a resident of Westmont and dedicated more than 50 years to serving his community. He served on the Downers Grove Sanitary District’s Board of Local Improvements from 1990-1996 and the Board of Trustees since 1992. Wally took the role of Board President in 2013. He was also a Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Board of Westmont since 1973.

Wally was also involved with other regional organizations focused on helping make the community a better place. He was active with the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies (IAWA) and was appointed as IAWA’s Representative to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Wastewater Committee in 2009. He also served on the IAWA Legislative Subcommittee beginning in 2011, the Facility Planning Area Subcomittee beginning in 2013 and Chair of the committee from 2016-2022. Wally was the recipient of the IAWA Illinois Award in 2007 and the IAWA Outstanding Public Official Award in 2018.

Wally was a genuine, passionate, and knowledgeable individual who humbly served his community. He was always supportive of staff at the Downers Grove Sanitary District. Wally’s expertise and leadership will be missed at the Sanitary District and throughout the community.