I was going to write this week’s column about the Chicago Auto Show’s fantastic library of pictures from past years and its history, because every year that the show comes around I’m reminded of the pix — and the past — thanks to my late mother-in-law, OnaLee McDermott Smola, who was an auto show queen representing Edgewater in 1955.

Back then, 20 neighborhoods sent their crowned queens, and this pic, which shows Miss Edgewater OnaLee at age 20, can be found in the historic images, which are priceless. If you go to 1955 there are others of her also, and so many cool pix from years gone by that I urge you to check them out at chicagoautoshow.com.

Sadly though, my auto show history instead turned into a too-quick history of the lives of two outstanding community members that we’ve recently lost, Phil Wherry and Bill Staples.

I didn’t know Bill, a Gold Coast Neighbors director emeritus who died Feb. 6 after a valorous battle with cancer. But I’m told he was a pillar of the Gold Coast, a tall, hearty guy who loved Mario’s Ristaurante and was responsible for the creation of Evening on Astor, the Halloween event in Goudy Park, and the 50th anniversary celebration of the GCN, among many other accomplishments.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Margie, his devoted Lakeland Terrier, Heather, and friends spanning several continents. A celebration of his life will take place 11 a.m. Feb. 24 at Saint Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church, 1424 N. Dearborn Pkwy. Memorials can be made to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Family Educational Initiative, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 60611.

My very sincerest condolences, also, to Cookie and Chandler Wherry, on the loss of one helluva guy, Phil Wherry, who died Dec. 29 at age 72 from Parkinson’s Disease.

Phil was my go-to guy at the North Dearborn Association whenever I needed any info. If he didn’t know the answer, he’d find out fast. Phil served an unprecedented seven terms as North Dearborn’s president, and he leaves behind a legacy that helped to both change and preserve the face of his neighborhood.

I wish I had the space to list all his accomplishments, such as conceptualizing the Near North Public Library on Division Street; the 1979 downzoning ordinance to preserve existing brownstones; co-founding the Near North Preservation Coalition; preserving the CVS Pharmacy building at State and Division; the Ambassador West Hotel condominium conversion. And there were so many more for Phil, also a former director of the Lincoln Park Conservancy.

I’m so grateful to have had the privilege of working with such a passionate and intelligent neighborhood advocate, and someone who used to love to cruise the ’hood on his motorcycle. He’ll surely be missed.

“This is a HUGE loss for our community,” said the North Dearborn Association’s Carol Truesdell. “Phil was one-of-a-kind. Can’t think of anyone who dedicated so much to any Chicago community!”

In Phil’s honor, the North Dearborn Association will create a memorial in the gardens at the end of North Dearborn in Lincoln Park, where a big statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the area. That seems fitting somehow, considering I could always get an honest answer from Phil.

My very deepest sympathy to Phil’s wife, Cookie, his daughter, Chandler, and the many neighbors mourning his loss. Memorial contribution can be made to a public library, hospice, or in support of Parkinson’s research.

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday… will be celebrated with comedy and music starting at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Galway Arms, 2442 N. Clark St., featuring vocalists Gira Dahnee, Terry Pernell, stand-up comedian/author Debbie Sue Goodman and host Jeff Helgeson, a playwright/author. $5. Call (773) 472-5555 for more info.