Ed Derwinski, a dear friend and long-time member of the Morrill & Associates team, passed away on January 15, 2012. He was a great statesman and a wonderful human being, and he will be missed.

His distinguished governmental career includes service as:

• Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (1989-1992);
• Undersecretary for Security Assistance, Science and Technology for the United States Department of State (1983-1986);
• Counselor of the Department of State (1983-1986);
• Member of Congress, Fourth Congressional District of Illinois (1959-1983);
• Delegate to the United Nations with rank of Ambassador (1971);
• Chairman of United States Congressional Delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (1959-1982);
• Illinois State Representative (1957-1958); and
• Member, Illinois-Indiana Bi-Port Commission.

From 1950-1958, Derwinski served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Pullman Savings and Loan Association in Chicago.

He served in the United States Army during World War II, and thereafter earned a Bachelor of Science from Loyola University in Chicago.

Long active in Republican political campaigns, Derwinski served as "ethnic liaison" to every Republican presidential nominee from Dwight Eisenhower through George W. Bush. He also served as General Campaign Chairman for Peter Fitzgerald's successful effort for the United States Senate.

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Derwinski held four honorary doctorate degrees.

Associations / Honors

• Former Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (1989-1992);
• Former Member of Congress, Fourth Congressional District of Illinois (1959-1983); and
• Former Delegate to the United Nations with rank of Ambassador (1971).