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* I didn’t want to open up comments this morning on the Mayor Tim Davlin post because we didn’t really know what was going on and I didn’t want any speculation here.
However, I think people in our community would probably like an opportunity to express their thoughts and remembrances. So, I’m going to open up comments here.
I know I don’t have to say this, but, please, be respectful. A man is dead. He was a father, a grandfather, a son and a brother. Keep that in mind.
…Adding… The SJ-R is liveblogging.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:46 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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My thoughts are with his family now. This is a big loss for Springfield. I’ll always remember Mayor Davlin walking in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Comment by Chathamite Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:52 pm
Mayor Davlin was a good man who cared deeply for his community. Almost every picture in the SJ-R has him smiling. If he indeed took his own life, that is a shame because that is certainly a long-term solution to what was sure to be a short-term problem, even if there was some shame to carry.
God speed and bless his family.
Comment by Knome Sane Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:54 pm
Growing up with Tim was great…we played softball together, enjoyed cocktails together and shared many a laugh together. I will truly miss you my friend. A big void has been created in Springfield that may take a long time to fill. May you find peace…and I miss you already.
Your First baseman…always
Comment by Siyotanka Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:55 pm
Since moving to Springfield three years ago, I have seen how important this man was to the city. He was an excellent and charismatic spokesperson for the citizens of Springfield. This is terrible, shocking news and my prayers go out to the family. I wish them well in all the hard days ahead.
Mayor Davlin, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Comment by UISer Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:55 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mayor Davlin’s family with the news of this horrible tragedy.
Comment by Porter & Mary McNeil Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:58 pm
Such a loss to the City of Springfield! Tim was an awesome person. You would see him in the grocery store and he stopped to talk to anyone and everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:58 pm
My sincere condolences to his family, his friends and the people of Springfield.
If he took his own life, he must have been going through some unbearable issues. That this happened so close to Christmas is even more awful for his family. God help them.
And if anyone out there even remotely considers suicide, please please get some help. Talk to someone, anyone. Do not do this. It doesn’t make things better, it’s a horribly selfish act that makes your problems worse and is devastating to your family.
Seriously, as bad as things may appear, you’re not alone and you need to get some help.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 12:59 pm
I think the update to the City of Springfield’s website is appropriate.
http://www.springfield.il.us/mayor/index.htm
Comment by CLJ Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:05 pm
Tim was a friend, I had many “sodas” with him and many laughs. I am in shock and feel bad for his kids, grandkids, brothers, sisters and most importantly his mother.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:07 pm
Very unfortunate, sad turn out of events. I feel for the family especially during the holidays.
Comment by ah Ha Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:08 pm
The is a loss to those of us who live in Springfield that can’t be overstated. Rest In Peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:10 pm
My condolences to the family. I am sorry.
FOX news is allowing comments, for some reason, and all it is is people that had never heard of the mayor prior to this morning. It is quite unnecessary.
Comment by PPHS Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:10 pm
Every time I met him he always had a smile on his face and he truly cared for Springfield. I had a close family friend commit suicide 2 years ago and it tore the family and friends apart wondering why they did it. No matter how simple it might seem don’t do it, people still care for you and you don’t want them to go through the pain of figuring out why you did it. I feel sorry for the family and close friends as I know what they are going through right now and it saddens me to know that we lost a nice guy.
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:15 pm
Mayor Davlin called me when he heard I had moved back to Springfield. At the time, it seemed that Rod Blagojevich was moving everybody up to the city, so I was one of the few actually leaving Chicago for Springfield. He told me how pleased he was, gave me his cell number and said I could call any time. I jokingly told him that if the city left me alone, I’d leave the city alone. I had no interest in writing about city politics, and I didn’t want to get dragged into anything.
As many here did, we became social circuit pals. He was just a remarkably great guy to have a beer with. I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t smiling and laughing. What a great sense of humor Tim had. He played a rather ribald prank on me during the State Fair this year that I can’t go into, but I find myself laughing out loud as I write this. That’s the way he was.
Even though I don’t pay much attention to Springfield politics, it seemed like he was doing a pretty good job despite the trying economic times. So I was shocked that he didn’t run for reelection, but I am so disassociated from the local scene that I didn’t know about his recent problems until a local reporter filled me in.
I lost my best friend to suicide a little over a year ago. Like Tim, Brian was always the most positive guy in the room. Like Tim, Brian had some problems, but nothing that anybody even remotely believed would drive him to this.
Suicide is not a rational act. Rational people simply cannot understand what goes through the minds of those who take their own lives. So, there are no “reasons” here. It’s difficult to come to terms with that. Trust me, I know firsthand how difficult this is. But it’s best not to speculate because we will never know. What we can do is keep his family and friends in our hearts. They are a close-knit bunch, and this has to be devastating for them.
I called Tim’s cellphone late yesterday afternoon. I wanted to see how he was holding up and offer my personal encouragement. The holidays can be difficult times for people, and I figured these would be especially trying times for Tim. The call went straight to voicemail. I figured I’d just check in with him today at work.
Damn.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:17 pm
I just simply want to extend my deepest condolences to his entire family and all his friends my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless
Comment by anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:21 pm
My prayers are with the Davlin family during this tragic time.
My family member committed suicide. To lose someone over trivial issues that could of been fixed is devastating. The Davlin family is going to need all the support they can get from their friends and the community.
Comment by Can't Say My Nickname Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:23 pm
A friend of mine recently committed suicide also. He had a lovely daughter and a good family. There seems to be a rash of suicides lately. Sounds from what I read here that Mayor Davlin was a good man. How sad!
Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:23 pm
I met the man a few times, I’m not gonna say that I knew him like other here did, the few time’s I met him, he seemed like a very decent man, May God Rest his Soul This afternoon…….
Comment by I'm Just Saying Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:25 pm
My condolences to the extended Davlin family. I grew up in the neighborhood of the family home on Glenwood Ave. in the 1960s, and my heart is heavy for them during this difficult time.
Comment by Hunterdon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:25 pm
I feel very deflated today. I just saw him a few days ago and it was all laughs, as usual. I can’t imagine what this is like for his family.
Comment by Scooby Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:27 pm
Rich, you make a great point in that it can be the person who is the most positive in the room who ultimately commits suicide. This is very sad. I would like to send prayers, thoughts, and words of encouragement to Mayor Davlin’s family. I would like to offer the same to anyone who is considering taking his or her life. Please do not do this. You can recover from whatever it is that you feel is holding you down. I say this as someone who has considered it in the past. I am living proof that life can turn around for the better. Please, seek help and know that life can get so much better if you choose to live it. God bless.
Comment by Suicide Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:27 pm
I am so sorry to read this news item. I met Mayor Davlin but once at an Illinois Municipal League event. What a gregarious and charismatic man. He was unafraid to voice his beliefs, critics be damned. Condolences to his loved ones.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:27 pm
he was the kind of mayor that most would hope for. Never seemed to have a bad day and was out and about willing to talk to anyone.
the world of politics lost a good guy today.
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:30 pm
What a sad day. It’s always tragic to see such a vital energetic person come to an untimely end, no matter how it happened. No matter what the circumstances surrounding the Mayor’s death, he cared about people and about his city.
Comment by starththrower68 Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:32 pm
condolences to all who have lost a family member and friend. Rich, thanks for your honest and multi layered story about the Mayor. thanks also for sharing your pain and perspective about suicide. it’s a difficult thing to face.
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:33 pm
When you saw Mayor Davlin speak, you could tell that he truly cared about his city and its people. I recently saw him speak on volunteerism, and he was so very proud of the Ronald McDonald House and other groups in Springfield. He was a kind man who will be greatly missed.
Comment by BigMac Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:38 pm
I am so sorry to hear this news. I’ll admit I didn’t always agree with everything he did, but it was obvious he loved his job and he loved the city. How awful to have it end this way. My condolences to his family and friends.
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:45 pm
Damn, Timmy.
Until that time, brother, until that time.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:45 pm
I saw him at the third house luncheon in Chicago last week. He was at some other event but came by to say hi to the many friends he had there. He looked great, sounded great and even said how much happier he was that he didnt have the burden of running another race hanging over his head.
What a shame. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:48 pm
I saw him in Chicago last week and he was as friendly and upbeat as ever. This is simply tragic. I can’t imagine what he must have been going through or what his family is going through now.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:50 pm
I’ve never even heard of him until today (I don’t live in Springfield) and still my thoughts are with his family, friends, and the people of Springfield.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:52 pm
A really outstanding individual. Loved Springfield passionately. He will be sorely missed.
Comment by loyal whig Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:52 pm
And another thing. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loved Springfield more than Tim Davlin. This town ain’t easy to love, but Tim loved it with all his heart.
I saw something while checking various online stories that sums him up well. Ald. Gail Simpson said one reason he was relieved that he wouldn’t be mayor again was that he hated to lay off people. He understood the real-life hardships the loss of a job would create, even though he also knew he had to do his duty as mayor. The man had a heart.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:53 pm
As the wife of an Army veteran, I first met Mayor Davlin at a Springfield VFW event last year. He expressed his gratitude to every veteran in the room for their service, thanked families for their sacrifice, and memorialized the fallen. He compassion was genuine; he spoke from the heart and not a political podium. He won my respect without even trying, and without ever knowing. Amidst any future storm of analysis, I hope that we as a community will remember that wrapped deep inside the layers of complication and mystery is a human being whose life was taken; it isn’t up to us to judge but only to remembe.
Comment by thanks Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 1:57 pm
I cannot help but think of Edwin Robinson’s poem “Richard Cory”. Sad day for all of Springfield.
Comment by Hawkeye Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:02 pm
Suicide is a most malignant scourge, and every person has a point at which they could be susceptible.
Intense physical, mental or emotional strain can bring on a chemical imbalance in the brain, if not recognized and treated, it can lead to disastrous consequences — that to the victim seems perfectly rational.
The person suffering from it is generally “laughing on the outside, and crying on the inside,” masking the torment they are experiencing.
Condolences and prayers for the family.
Comment by Been There/Done That Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:06 pm
Such a sad, sad day. People everywhere across Springfield are suffering a great deal which speaks to Mayor Davlin’s contributions to our every day lives. May prayers are with his family and friends.
Comment by dominique Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:09 pm
Richard Cory, as adapted by Simon & Garfunkel:
They say that Richard Cory owns one-half of this whole town
With political connections to spread his wealth around
Born into society, a banker’s only child
He had everything a man could want, power, grace and style
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be Richard Cory
The papers print his pictures almost everywhere he goes
Richard Cory at the opera, Richard Cory at a show
And the rumours of his parties and the xxxxxx on his yacht
Oh, he surely must be happy with everything he’s got
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be Richard Cory
He freely gave to charity, he had the common touch
And they were grateful for his patronage and they thanked him very much
So my mind was filled with wonder when the evening headlines read
“Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head.”
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be Richard Cory
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:11 pm
Tim Davlin lit up any room he walked into…His energy and good heart unmatched. Thoughts and prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Comment by Rebecca Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:15 pm
Rich nailed it - I too never met anyone who loved Springfield as much as Tim, and that’s a tall order.
His family is as tight knit as they come, and my prayers are with them. Godspeed, Tim. Godspeed.
Comment by Thoughts... Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:15 pm
I met Mayor Davlin on several occasions and as everyone has pointed out, I never saw him without a smile. He had a great energy about him. My prayers go out to his family and may he rest in peace.
As for Fox News, they should be ashamed of themselves allowing such comments. What sick people to believe they have the right to judge someone they did not even know. And even sicker that the obvious leaning website does not censor such crap. Thank you, Rich, for always making sure people are respectful in whatever comments they make. I already avoid Fox, but I encourage everyone with a heart to do the same, at least for today, out of respect to our good Mayor.
Comment by Saddened. Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:25 pm
I had occassion to interact with the Mayor more than once. My instinct about him was always that he was a nice, genuine and caring person. Great sense of humor too. I can only imagine what his family must be going through now and in the future. My sincerest sympathy to all of them.
Comment by Just Sayin' Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:31 pm
I met Mayor Davlin both professionally & personally and found him to be unpretentious, outgoing, friendly & professional and really just a regular guy. My sincerest sympathy to his family. His wit and sense of humor will be missed by those taking the annual trip to Ireland in October.
Comment by Sangamon Sage Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:32 pm
To the family and loved ones of Tim Davlin:
To the dear and close friends of “The Mayor” who will miss all his positives:
You must open your hands and let him go. It is not easy, it is very hard indeed. Please remember in your hearts that although you must let him leave this earth, that as you open your hands you are passing his into the hands of our Lord and Savior. God will bless him and protect him until the time of your reunion. May God grant him eternal peace. In his name….Amen!
Comment by Exhausted Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:39 pm
I met the mayor a few times and agree with the comments about his demeanor. His family is in my thoughts, as their loss is the hardest. I lost my mother 21 years ago and a day doesn’t go by when I don’t think about her.
Comment by Perkanator Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:40 pm
It is a very sad day. I also saw the Mayor last week in Chicago and had a beer with him on Rush St.-Never thought that would be the last time I’d see him. My heartfelt prayers to his family and many,many friends.
Comment by Sine Die 10 Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 2:57 pm
There was never a time that I ran into Tim when I wasn’t greeted by that movie star smile and a conversation that had us both laughing. And he was the rare breed in our business that knew how to take his job more seriously than he did himself.
Tim is unfortunately the second person I know to take their own life in the last four days and the fifth this year. But it pains me to the core when suicide victims get labeled as selfish or uncaring. As Rich eloquently stated, it is not a rational act nor one done fleetingly. Depression is as real an illness as is cancer, and despair can drive people to extreme ends. It’s called ‘desperation’ for a reason. Times like these call for compassion not judgment, sympathy not speculation.
My heart truly goes out to the many Davlin relatives I know. While they may never find the answers that they’d like to have, I hope that they can somehow find peace in this difficult time.
Comment by Rep. John Fritchey Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:01 pm
He achieved what most of us spend an entire lifetime trying to achieve …. he “mattered”. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and to the City of Springfield.
Comment by Democrats are nice guys too... Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:18 pm
To follow up on “Democrats are nice guys too…”, Tim “mattered” to many many people well beyond the realm of politics. I didn’t know him real well, but know many who did. We didn’t agree on many things, but every time we spoke he seemed passionate and energized about whatever we were talking about, and I respected that. And I know he cared deeply for his family and numerous friends. My heart goes out to them all.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:28 pm
And yet another soul passes leaving the family and friends with questions that will never be answered. I don’t understand suicide and hope I’m never faced with this situation. As stated by a previous poster, it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Comment by Little Egypt Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:36 pm
This morning I was riding on a train to Chicago when I heard the shocking news about Mayor Davlin. It is a sad story for his city but especially so for his friends and family.
I had on occassion worked with Mayor Davlin, particularly regarding tourism and efforts to keep historic sites open to the public. He was a dedicated public servant and a leader who encouraged disparate groups to work together.
The Mayor welcomed strangers with open arms and a big smile. I believe my strongest impression of him, though, will be the courteous manner in which he conducted himself as both a candidate and an elected official. In a world becoming more fractured and venomous, Mayor Davlin was a gentleman.
Rich is right about the irrationality of suicide and the inability of people to understand how a person can resort to the most extreme of acts. It is a reminder that even the strongest among us cannot stand alone when their world is collapsing around them.
My most sincere sympathies go out to the Davlin family.
Comment by Al Grosboll Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:54 pm
There was just a ISP press conference where they really did not release any info. We really do not know anything new. They did state they were conducting a canvass of the neighborhood to see if anyone saw or heard anything.
Comment by DRB Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 3:55 pm
Sad news, very sad news.
Comment by leo Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:18 pm
Great comments by Rich and many of those who have contributed. I did know Davlin. He was a leader of mayors and the outgoing IML President. I agree with much of what has been said of his committment and charisma. I also think that Rep Fritchey makes a great point. Focus on the family and not on trying to understand why this happened. You will never really know; it is a desperate and irrational act. I had a family member take his life and the damage it did to my uncle, cousins and proud grandparents could never be understated.
Comment by Selena Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:24 pm
I hope that his family take some comfort in all of the nice comments posted here and outpouring of support that they are undoubtedly receiving at this difficult time.
Comment by BF Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:32 pm
I live in the same subdivision as the Mayor did and like all the others, you never saw him without a smile. I’d walk my dog past his house and even if it was early in the morning & he was putting his trash out, he’d stop & say a few words. Springfield definitely has lost someone special. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:33 pm
Could not agree more with all comments. As a metro transplant from Sangamon County, I like to think that I knew Tim well. I don’t ever rememeber him having a bad day. There are many people; family, friends, employees and citizens of Springfield who will miss him dearly. My prayers have already gone out to Noreen, his mother, his kids, grandkids, brothers and sisters. Tim, you will be missed !
Comment by metro transplant Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:41 pm
I am choking up as I read this commentary. Springfield is indeed sad today. Rest in peace my friend.
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:42 pm
There just aren’t the right words today that totally capture how I feel. Tim was everyone’s friend…he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 4:57 pm
Much love to the Davlin family and all who are hurting from this news.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:00 pm
I think sometimes we forget the tremendous amount of pressure and public scrutiny our elected officials often face, it’s never an easy job. This is very sad.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:29 pm
I met Tim 3 times and each time I met him I liked him more. I am deeply saddened by this shocking tragedy, and more so by the callous comments I have encountered today, it has left me questioning humanity. I feel for his family, and am sad for this community.
Comment by Melissa Davis Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:30 pm
I am awed at the Postive and heartfelt responses here. Rich, you truly are a gracious host. God bless his family and friends.
Comment by Ain't No Justice Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:48 pm
always a smile and always a kind word as he was bustin’ your chops. showed up at my wedding reception because in Springfield he would never miss a good time. Great guy… rest in peace my brother, rest in peace.
Comment by proudstatetrooper Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 5:57 pm
Tragic, just tragic news. Mayor Davlin was always your friend and showed a true love for the city of Springfield.
Comment by always anonymous Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 6:22 pm
My deepest condolescences to the Davlin family. Mayor Davlin was a genuine, kindhearted individual who cared deeply for his community and treated everyone he met or encountered as a friend. He governed the City and served his constituency the only way he knew how, from the heart. I am Blessed that we had the opportunity to work together. He was truly a statesman.
Comment by Jonathan Lackland Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 6:33 pm
Whenever Richard Cory went down town,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean-favoured and imperially slim.
And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
“Good Morning!” and he glittered when he walked.
And he was rich, yes, richer than a king,
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine — we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.
So on we worked and waited for the light,
And went without the meat and cursed the bread,
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet in his head.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 14, 10 @ 6:34 pm