The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly presented Debbie Brown with a resolution commending the contributions of her husband, Jack, during their Tuesday night meeting.
The legislation, sponsored by assembly member Jesse Bjorkman, was read in its entirety during the meeting, with Debbie Brown offering thanks during testimony.
Brown, who was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, represented Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly from 1987 to 2001, including as president and vice president, and was involved in several other community organizations. The resolution specifically commends Brown’s foundation of the People Count Vocational School and his work to begin the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula.
Brown helped start the Nikiski Senior Service Area and raised funds to build the Nikiski Senior Center. He also co-founded Industry Appreciation Day and served as president of the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council.
“Jack had an excellent ability to inspire others to get involved in community projects, he was well known for being a good friend and well liked even while disagreeing on the issues of the day, and he encouraged people to work together to find solutions,” the resolution says.
Debbie Brown thanked the assembly for their acknowledgement of her husband’s contributions.
“I’m here to just thank you with a very grateful heart for the honoring of my husband, who served in the seats much like yours and … highly appreciated his colleagues at the time in everything that was done on behalf of the borough,” Brown said Tuesday.
Bjorkman presented Brown with the resolution Tuesday.
“Thank you, Debbie, for being with us tonight [and] thank you, Jack, for the great influence you have had on this community,” Bjorkman said. “It was quite a pleasure and an honor as I put together this resolution to talk to people about Jack and the life that he lived and the person that he was and how he inspired people to come together to be better than themselves by being a part of something that was bigger than themselves.”
Tuesday’s assembly meeting can be viewed at kpb.legistar.com.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
