Dr. Robert M. McCray

Robert M. McCray, M.D. a lifelong resident of Glen Ellyn A memorial service celebrating the life of Robert Myles McCray, M.D., will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Born Oct. 29, 1926, in Chicago, he died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease Friday, Aug. 12, 2005, at his home. Dr. McCray always told his children to find out what the world needs, and then do that. He followed his own advice, devoting most of his 78 years to community service as a pioneering vascular surgeon, co-founder of a successful medical group practice, and supporter of the arts and education. He grew up in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, graduating from Glenbard West High School in 1944. After serving in the military during World War II, with support from the G.I. Bill, Dr. McCray earned his B.S. and M.D. degrees from the University of Illinois. He did an internship at the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospitals and a surgical residency at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital before going into solo practice in Glen Ellyn in 1958. However, Dr. McCray was always a problem solver and innovator. A self-professed "Glen Ellyn boy," he was convinced that group practice, which could provide a comprehensive range of general and specialist medical services to a community, would be the best way to meet residents' health care needs. In 1963, with seven partners, he spearheaded establishment of the Glen Ellyn Clinic, which has now expanded to include more than 140 physicians working at multiple practice locations. Dr. McCray was also an innovator in his own medical practice. Qualified as a general surgeon, he contributed to the development of new techniques in the emerging field of vascular surgery. He was a founding member of the surgical staff of Central DuPage Hospital and maintained a strong affiliation with Elmhurst Hospital and Glen Oaks Medical Center, as well as other west suburban hospitals. He was also active in professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. He retired from practice in 1991. At the same time his medical career was unfolding, Dr. McCray's family was growing. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Janet Hough, whom he had first met in second grade at Hawthorn School in Glen Ellyn. They raised seven children who, in turn, made them grandparents 24 times. The McCray home was filled with conversation, laughter, music, Jan's artwork and Bob's fine furniture, which he built in his basement workshop. Bob and Jan traveled widely, especially after his retirement, but devoted their greatest energies to community interests, particularly the College of DuPage, where they both taught and took classes, and where Bob was on the board of trustees from 1991 to 1997, serving as board chairman in 1996. He also served on the boards of the DuPage Trust Bank and the Glen Ellyn Public Library. He and Jan were avid cyclists, instrumental in the expansion of the Prairie Path. Survivors include his children, Lucinda (Lee) Beier, Gary (P.J.) McCray, Hollis (David) Webster, Robert (Lori) McCray, Leslie (Gregory) Meyer, Janet (Samuel) Batzli and David McCray; and 23 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet and a grandchild, Danny. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the College of DuPage Foundation, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Arrangements were made by The Leonard Memorial Home, Ltd., Glen Ellyn, 630-469-0032.