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EUGENE DELVES Obituary

Eugene "Gene" Delves was a computer pioneer and member of a team of five men who started the organization that evolved into today's Accenture. In 1954, the Univac computer processed the payroll for the new General Electric Appliance Park near Louisville, Kentucky, and the five men behind it were young employees of Arthur Andersen's Administrative Service Division. Gene was one of them. This was the first successful installation and use of a computer in the industry. This moment is largely lost to history, but was an extraordinarily important achievement that was fundamental in launching the computing industry as we know it today. The Univac is now at the Smithsonian Institute. And, not insignificantly, those five men were the beginning of an organization that would become The Consulting Division of Arthur Andersen, then Andersen Consulting and today Accenture: a 22 billion dollar corporation with 225,000 employees serving clients in 120 countries. Gene was born in Chicago in 1927, attended Fernwood Elementary School and graduated as valedictorian from Fenger High School in 1945. Gene was drafted into the Army Air Corp in 1946 and spent most of his time in the service stationed at Lowrey Field in Denver. After the service he returned to DePauw University, where he met his future wife Sue Howard in 1947. He graduated from DePauw (Phi Beta Kappa) with a degree in Economics in 1950 and then earned an MBA degree from Northwestern University and a CPA degree from University of Illinois, both in 1952. Gene and Sue were married in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on March 27, 1954. In 1951 Gene was hired by Arthur Andersen & Company in Chicago and by 1952 assigned to the newly established Administrative Service Division (or Ad Services), which focused on business systems. The leaders of Ad Services at the time saw the enormous potential of computers for business and were years ahead of anyone else in understanding computers. After the successful Univac project, Gene went on to enjoy a full career at Andersen, making Partner in 1963. Before retiring from Andersen in 1987, Gene held many positions in senior leadership, worked on six continents, is fondly remembered as a gentle and caring boss and always reliable colleague. From 1987 to 1990, Gene served as Chief Operating Officer of Saatchi Consulting, and from 1990 to 1997, served in various consulting capacities with Unisys and AT&T. Gene was active in the Illinois CPA Society, ultimately serving as President in 1983. His community service involved serving on the boards (always as an officer, often as president) of Beverly Area Planning Association, Ridge Historical Society, Smith Senior Living, Methodist Youth Services, Center for Parish Development, and Garrett Theological Seminary. He was known for creative fundraising and insistence upon well presented financial statements. Gene was a member of Morgan Park United Methodist Church for 52 years and served as its Finance Committee Chairman for 47 years. Since 1978 he was a very loyal alumnus of DePauw University, Greencastle, IN, where he served in many capacities, most notably on its Board of Trustees and as its Chair. Gene died of complications from a stroke on August 3, 2011 at Smith Village where he and Sue (Howard) lived since 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; his three children Don (wife Denise DeFries), Bob (wife Jenny Harrigan) Sarah Hraha (husband Ed); seven grandchildren, Michael, Tom and Robert Hraha, Kevin, Patrick and Jackson and Lucy Delves; and his brother Gerald. Memorial visitation Friday, August 5 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave. Memorial Service Saturday Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m. at Morgan Park United Methodist Church (MPUMC), 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643. lmmediately following the service there were be a sharing of fellowship and lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations to MPUMC or Smith Village. For info (773) 238-0075, Please sign guest book at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.

  

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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James Pampinella

August 29, 2011

To the Delves Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Gene's passing. He was a truly special person. We were partners together at Arthur Andersen, and later colleagues when he was with Saatchi. He was a joy to work with and one of the nicest people I have ever known. He will be missed.
Jim Pampinella

Mary Ann Deutsch

August 8, 2011

To Sue and famiy,
I was so sorry to read of Gene's passing.He was a wonderful man and my mother always thought so much of you and Gene. My mother has been gone for 30 years but I can still remember her kind words about your family and Gene's love for Morgan Park United Methodist Church.
God Bless..
Mary Ann (Gerut) Deutsch

Jane Barclay

August 8, 2011

Dear Delves Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Gene's passing. He will be missed by his Beverly community. We only wish that we had been in town and had known of the service. We would have been there for sure.

Our deepest sympathies,

David, Jane and Will Barclay

Mary Trigiani

August 7, 2011

Mr. Delves was an example of professionalism and kindness. I appreciated the opportunity to observe how he worked. I know you miss him. God bless.

Rev. Lance Herrick

August 6, 2011

Dear Sue,
I cherish memories of Gene from our days on the Board of MYSI. He was sharp, committed, and extremely modest. We have all been blessed by his life, his faith, and his many ministries.

Toleda Hart

August 6, 2011

My prayers to Sue and the family. Gene, will be missed. Toleda Hart, Methodist Youth Services, Inc.

carrie brown

August 5, 2011

God will keep him in his care.

Patrice Roche

August 5, 2011

Our thoughts go out to all the Delves family. Gene was one of the very best -- such a kind, intelligent man. We are lucky to have known him. The Harrigans were honored to have had Gene as a part of our extended family.
Love to all,
Patrice & Mark Roche and family

August 5, 2011

A sad day indeed; Gene was one of the most exceptional people I've ever met. He earned the many compliments about his many contributions; I will always remember how he entertained us when he returned from Washington, D. C., and how he shared with us and many others his love for, and skill with clocks. Joan Prims

Delton Krueger

August 5, 2011

Gene's gift to the Faith community was persistent concern for effective business and financial management. Such spiritual virtues are to be treasured. Thank you, Gene.

Julia Rogers

August 5, 2011

We are very sorry to hear about Gene. He was always such a quiet, steady and wonderful person. Wish we could be there for the service. You are in our hearts and prayers, the entire Delves family, and especially Sue. - Larry & Julia

August 5, 2011

It was indeed a honor to have known Gene Delves both as a neighbor and as a business mentor. Sue, as you and your family all know, Gene was a truly special human being.

Joseph & Patricia Fontana
Chicago, Il & Naples, Fl

August 5, 2011

A Sad day--Gene was one of the most thoughtful, creative and generous professionals I had the honor of calling a friend.
Martin Rosenberg, Santa Fe NM

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10525 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

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