Robert E Dwan

The daughters of Robert E. Dwan lost their dear Dad on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  Born in Chicago on March 17, 1937, to William and Doris (nee Devoe) Dwan, Robert was the eldest of 3 children and is preceded in death by his brother Billy (Katie) and Mabel (John) Fischer.  At age 12 his family moved to Grand Beach, Michigan.  He graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1955 and, through the help of a generous benefactor who saw his potential, he was granted tuition to the college of his choice.  In his first year, he attended the University of Michigan and then transferred to DePaul University living on the campus of the University of Chicago at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house paying for room and board by working as the house’s custodian.  He met and fell in love with Jacqueline Padley while attending DePaul and they married in 1961.  The couple settled in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and had 3 daughters,  Elizabeth, Caroline, and Jeannine.  
“He was brilliant, kind, funny, generous, flawed (who isn't?), and the perfect father.” said daughter, Caroline.  “Our childhood was spent camping in Canada and the US, running errands on Saturdays where there was always a cheese dog from Snyder's as a treat when our chores were complete. Dad was an incredible cook who taught me how to prepare family meals at age 10.  He also taught each of us to manage the family finances, drive (he was not patient), paint, change a tire, check the oil, do laundry, enjoy a good book, build strong and loyal friendships, and have an opinion (some we did not share).”  
In 1988, after 26 years of marriage, Jacqueline died of leukemia after an almost 3-year battle.  Later that year, he became smitten and fell in love with Pam Carlson and her 2 children Amanda and Ben Price, they married in 1990.  
He dedicated himself to providing for those less fortunate and spent the majority of his life helping others. “He was truly one of the kindest men who helped more people than we'll ever know, and some we knew very well,” said daughter, Jeannine.  
A unique character, Bob was also very funny and enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends when he was younger. Elizabeth said, “He was quite a prankster especially when it came to his legendary antics in Grand Beach that later became content for his wildly entertaining stories heard regularly.”  
Bob had several jobs throughout his career including a director’s position at the Illinois Secretary of State, an Executive position at William F. Dart Ltd., a Business Manager for CPS, and, most recently, the City of Berwyn where he was Director of Community Development.  
He loved to travel and was a regular visitor to London where he was often told he knew more about Great Britain than the natives.  Caroline remembers the dissertation she received when visiting the Parthenon in Italy. "While he gave us the tour, we were certain he was not 'letting the truth get in the way of a good story' and fabricated some of the history.  He was usually accurate but would sometimes weave a tale in order to maintain the interest of his audience" 
His daughters are grateful to have been able to soak in as much time as they could with Bob these last several years and have learned a lot about patience and how to love more unconditionally.
In his memory, the family suggests going outside to enjoy the sunshine (they recommend wearing sunscreen even though he rarely wore it). Eat a steak, take that vacation, and love hard because 85 years pass pretty quickly!
Bob is survived by his wife, Pam Carlson, children Elizabeth, Caroline (Dan Coogan), Jeannine Lang (Dan), Amanda Price, Ben Price (April Paris), nephews Patrick Trusha, Brian (Dawn) Trusha, David Dwan, nieces Christina Dwan, and Theresa Dwan, grandchildren Jacqueline Robertson, Christian Paris, Ryan Lang, Lilly Price, and Lucy Price.  He also leaves behind many friends in the Brookdale Orland Park community and his best buddies for life, his cousins Dan Devoe and Bill Eubanks. 
On Saturday, June 18 the family will celebrate his life at Christ the King Church located at 9235 S. Hamilton Avenue in Chicago.  A wake will be held from 9 am – to 11 am followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11 am. 

 

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