Our team at CRCOG was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Lyle Wray, our Executive Director emeritus. Lyle was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many of us. He was well-respected across our region, our state, and nationally. He was a true thought leader and accomplished much during his tenure at CRCOG.
I remember meeting Lyle in the late 2000s when he agreed to facilitate a retreat for the board of the former Windham Region Council of Governments. I was then serving as the Town Manager in Mansfield, CT. Lyle and I also served on a subcommittee of the Municipal Opportunities for Regional Efficiencies (MORE) Commission, and we were guest speakers for a few charter revision commissions to discuss the details of the council-manager form of government. During those early years, I remember being impressed by Lyle’s knowledge and passion for transportation planning and regional government as well as his facilitation skills. Furthermore, I relished his one-liners and sense of humor.
When the state moved to consolidate its planning regions in 2013, I encouraged the Mansfield Town Council to join CRCOG. As the host community of the state’s flagship university, I thought that Mansfield would truly benefit by having access to CRCOG’s capabilities. I was also motivated to have access to Lyle – his knowledge, his skillset, and his expertise. Moving to CRCOG turned out to be a good fit for the town, and I appreciated the opportunity to work with Lyle more closely and to learn from him. We would talk frequently between board meetings and at professional gatherings.
I was extremely honored to succeed Lyle as CRCOG’s Executive Director. He immediately helped me become acclimated by introducing me to key people and bringing me up-to-speed on important projects. He was always available to lend his perspective without judgment. His dedication and commitment to CRCOG and good policy initiatives was evident, even in retirement.
I have been touched by reading the memories, anecdotes, and stories of Lyle. Lyle was universally admired as a professional and as a human being. He had a positive impact on so many of us and contributed greatly to the quality of life and civic fabric in our region and our state.
As a team, we will miss Lyle deeply – his keen intellect, his wit, and his perspective on all things related to local and regional government. We will hold his memory close and work to honor his legacy.
-- Matt Hart. Executive Director at CRCOG
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Additional tributes and media coverage featuring Lyle.
