Retirement
Ends Long and
Dedicated Career

Russell J. Foval, a legend in Recreation in Illinois, retired February 8th after more than 45 years of public service in the field of recreation.

Friends, co-workers and fellow professionals from throughout Illinois gathered in Decatur on Sunday, February 6th to pay their respects to Foval for his long and impressive career.

He became Superintendent of Recreation in Decatur in 1946 and held that position until his retirement, for a total of 26 years. His career began as a playground director in Alton, Illinois in 1925 with similar positions in Grosvenor House, New York and Reading, Pennsylvania.

Russell holds a Master's Degree from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor's degree from Shurtleff College (now a part of Southern Illinois University) and graduated from the National Recreation School, New York, N.Y. (1931-32).

He is a past president of the Illinois Park & Recreation Society and holds an Honorary Lifetime membership from IPRS; winner of the IPRS Fellow Award; and was the first recipient of the C. K. Brightbill Professional Award.

Russell holds membership in more professional and community organizations than space will permit. However, it should be mentioned that his record of 36 years of perfect attendance in Kiwanis is difficult to equal.

Always willing to go the extra mile, he served as a consultant in recreation affairs as well as supervising field work students from the University of Illinois; Florida State University; Indiana University; Indiana State University; Western Illinois University; and Eastern Illinois University.

Russ plans a quiet retirement from a busy 45 years of public service and expects to practice what he has preached for all those years, and enjoy some leisure hours. He resides with his wife "Sis" at 546 South Seigel, Decatur, Illinois 62525.

Illinois Parks and Recreation    5    March/April, 1972