Message From Richard Steinberg
February 15, 2008
Dear Board, Staff and Friends:
It is with a heavy heart that I share this sad news with you. Bob McNutt, our Chair Emeritus of WestCare, passed away on Wednesday. As many of you are aware, Bob has been ill for many months, and chose to spend his last few months at home, surrounded by his family, with assistance from Nathan Adeleson Hospice.
Bob was the first Chair of our organization when we were founded 35 years ago as Frank E. Fitzsimmons House, commonly referred to as Fitz House. Bob's leadership as Chair of the Board of Directors, from the early days to today, has allowed WestCare become the organization that it is.
Bob played a very special role in my life... as he hired me almost thirty years ago... a somewhat dubious honor that he would kid with me about for all these years. I remember fondly a motion he made just few years ago, asking the board to finally remove "the temporary" status of my appointment as President and CEO that he originally hired me with... and after some research we realized that his original appointment and conditions had never been lifted after all those years... we all got a good laugh... and I was much relieved to get off my "probationary” status that lasted almost 28 yrs!!!!
Bob was a great mentor, friend and supporter to me and the entire WestCare family... a man that will always be remembered for helping us reach the level we are today. He started his journey with us along with Dick Thomas and a $50,000 grant from the Teamsters in 1973... to a 70 plus million dollar organization spanning seven states and the US Virgin Island... but more importantly, his early leadership, guidance and unwavering support of our organization ...and all these years of active membership on our Foundation Board of Directors was an inspiration to everyone he touched.
Bob will be missed by all of us... but he will live on forever in our hearts!
Richard Steinberg
President/CEO
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