WCI remembers Paul Sukke

West Central Initiative board and staff are saddened by the loss of Paul Sukke, board member and former board chair, who died Saturday, Jan. 19.

"Paul was a terrific board member: candid, sincere and dedicated to the work of WCI. He was highly respected by both board and staff and had an excellent understanding of community and how communities work. I considered him a friend and mentor, and appreciate all he did for WCI," said Nancy Straw, WCI president.

Kim Embretson, vice president of development, shares this memory: "Paul was a new board member at WCI at the same time I became a new employee. Shortly after we started, there was an opportunity to take some national training In Washington DC on community foundations. Paul volunteered to take time off from his business and I was selected as the staff member to attend. Paul was always interested in learning more about an organization when he volunteered. During the training and travel we had a lot of time to talk about our communities. I was impressed with Paul's passion for serving his community. Caring about his community went beyond being good for business. It was what it means to be a good citizen.

"After the conference we returned to the DC Airport via the commuter train. We arrived early for the train and decided to separate and do a little site seeing before the train departed. I became worried when it was time for the train to leave and I didn't see Paul on the platform. This was the last train that would get us to the airport on time. At the last minute I boarded the train took a seat and started wondering how I would explain losing a board member in Washington DC. A few minutes later I was relieved to see Paul walking up the aisle of my train car. We didn't miss the train, but Paul's passion for community will be dearly missed."

The board and staff extend their condolences to Paul's wife Madalyn, son Erik and daughter Allison, and to all of his family.

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