Twenty-two years ago, before I was The Madstatter or even a parent, the good parishioners of Holy Family did me a favor.  They sent me to represent them on the St. Albert School Board.  Even though my first meeting ran from 7:00 pm until 12:20 am (absolutely true), I came to appreciate this opportunity.  A primary reason was the great group of people I served beside.

Like any board dealing with too few funds and too many needs, we labored to set and meet priorities while remaining people of faith and good will.  The process was not always harmonious; however, we often were witness to the best that our members had to offer.

This past week we lost two members who stood out on that board.  For some perspective, the group I served with from 1989 to 1993 included four auction chair couples, three Freddy Falcon Award winners and at least two St. Albert Hall of Famers. 

Jack Ryan from St. Columbanus Parish in Weston was our board president three years and I was with him on the executive committee for two of them.  The big problems landed there and we all looked to Jack to lead us.  Never were we disappointed.  Jack led us placidly, respectfully and resourcefully.  He left personalities and disagreements at the door in favor of reason and compassion.  Still, Jack expected results. 

If your point-of-view ever differed from Jack’s, you would: a) know that he had heard yours, and b) wonder if you should change your mind.  Anyone who didn’t learn from Jack flat-out missed the bus.      

Jerry Konz from St. Patrick Parish in Neola was a man who got things done.  His impatience with discussion was matched by his willingness to act.  As the guy who ran the Facilities Committee he dug right in.  Jerry tackled paving problems in the parking lot, cracking walls at the primary building and personally welded handrails on the dangerous former set of bleachers in the gym.  And he gave you his opinion the whole time (insert smile here). 

In 1993 Jerry suggested that the auction offer a unique item.  The high bidder received a free pass from any call placed by Msgr. Chamberlain (school president) asking for help on a special project.  Jerry won the bid and gained more time to devote to his farm as he completed his term on the board.  I can’t say with certainty that he didn’t ever relent. 

Two terrific people—farmers, fathers, faithful. 

Who are those men & women today--the ones who give selflessly for the good of the kids educated at the St. Albert Schools?  They exist, believe me.  Support them; encourage them; become one of them.

May God bless the souls of Jack Ryan and Jerry Konz.

SASF tribute by Matt Madsen