John L. Kirkland, 92, died December 9, 2018 in Naples FL. He is survived by his wife Harriet of 68 years, and children Karen Lazos of Miami, FL , Kevin (Linda) of Fontana, WI, Robert of Fontana, WI, Melissa (Greg) Glyman of Lake Forest, IL, as well as eight grandchildren Kristina Lazos, Nick Lazos, Katherine (Ben) Romenesko, Elizabeth Kirkland, Johnny Glyman, Allie Glyman, Peter Glyman, Grace Glyman and one great-grandchild Emma Romenesko.
He was born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, served in the U.S. Navy, and graduated from Lake Forest College and Chicago-Kent College of Law.
He practiced law with the Chicago based firm of Hinshaw and Culbertson for 40 years, including a period as managing partner.
He was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association where he served two terms on the Board of Governors, a past president of the Trial Lawyers Club of Chicago, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a member of the Society of Trial Layers, Federation of Insurance Counsel, and a lecturer on many topics of Insurance Law.
He served a term on the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals and was a past Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the village of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and a life trustee of the Union League Club Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.
He belonged to the Imperial Golf Club of Naples, Florida and Big Foot Country Club of Fontana, Wisconsin, where he served as President for two years and became a lifetime honorary member and was also a long time member of the Union League Club of Chicago. He was listed in the Who’s Who in America.
John’s parents brought him to their summer cottage at Lake Geneva in the summer of 1926. He returned every summer of his life, and for many years his greatest joy was fishing and golfing with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring in Fontana.