Behringer worked behind the scenes for Oak Park

Behringer worked behind the scenes for Oak Park

Kent Behringer passed away recently and Oak Park lost a cherished community member and civic leader.

Since moving to Oak Park in 1981, Kent devoted countless hours to serving the needs of all residents, first with the original Oak Park Civic Association and as a six-term Municipal Advisory Council member.

He was with the MAC in the early ’80s when it used to meet in Paula Stromquist’s classroom at Brookside Elementary School, and he was still with them over 20 years later.

Kent and the MAC fought the battles that "right-sized" Oak Park, reining in aggressive developers with sensible compromises. He provided the continuity between, for lack of better terms, the "Ron Stark" and "Todd Haines" eras, from the developer and construction MAC to a "maintain the quality of life in Oak Park" MAC.

Kent was also a long time member of the Oak Park Parks and Recreation Planning Committee. The work that he and Steve Iceland and Kyle Carmona did over the years has resulted in unsurpassed community recreation facilities. The Oak Park we have today is indebted to this outstanding community leader. Kent was a recipient of the "Golden Acorn Award," recognizing his lasting contributions to the community.

Kent’s personal accomplishments mirrored his community achievements. A Cincinnati native, WWII veteran and jazz drummer, he ended his technical career with a successful 16 years as Civil Construction Project Manager for the City of Inglewood, retiring in 1996. He and his wife of 54 years, Margot, have two sons, Greg and Scott, both technical professionals, and a daughter, Monica, who’s an educator.

Kent worked quietly behind the scenes for Oak Park, and he will be missed.

Jim Kalember

Oak Park