Wayne McGown

MC GOWN WAYNE Cancer claimed the life of Wayne McGown on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at HospiceCare, Fitchburg, WI. Wayne was born on February 28, 1929, the only child of Homer and Amy (Winkler) McGown in Stevens Point, WI. He graduated from Stevens Point High School and from UW-Madison with a degree in accounting and a masters degree in political science. Wayne was on active duty in the US Army from 1951-1953 and in the Naval Reserve from 1959-1968. He was a professional in the Boy Scouts of America for 7 years before beginning his 40 years of state service: 20 years at the top of State Street as senior administrator under Governors Nelson, Reynolds, Knowles, Lucey, Schreiber and Earl; and another 20 at the campus end of State Street serving as Special Assistant to Chancellors Shain, Cohen, Shalala and Ward. Wayne capped his career as the first director of the UW Research Park, 1984-1999. In 1961 Wayne married Hildegarde (Hildy) Grevstad. Their 47 year marriage was blessed with three children and 5 grandchildren: Carrie (Kevin, deceased) McGinley and their daughters Kristi and Jackie of Middleton; Ron (Randee) and their daughters Kate and Carly of Minneapolis; and Daniel (Cindy) and their son Tyler of Madison. In 1983-1984 the McGowns hosted AFS son Davide Vitali, from Pesaro Italy. Wayne was a long-time member of Advent Lutheran Church, Madison. Wayne was a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administrators and has received 3 of the highest awards in Scouting--Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Distinguished Eagle Scout. He served on numerous boards of directors including Madison Christian Community, the local Boy Scout Council, University Club, Downtown Rotary, National Association of State Budget Officers, Association of University Research Parks, Center for Community Partnerships (UW Oshkosh), Telemark Interval Owners Association and 25 years on the Circus World Museum Board. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Madison Christian Community, 7118 Old Sauk Rd., Madison. Family and friends may call from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, February 13,2009 at the Gunderson West Funeral Home, 7435 University Ave, Middleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the UW Foundation, U.S. Bank, PO Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave. 608-831-6761