It’s been a challenging week of visionary and legendary loss for the Coalition. As we gather for our first Board meeting of the year this Wednesday, we share extended moments of silence and shared remembrances to mourn the loss of both Frank Chopp and Ralph Munro.
Frank Chopp, who passed away on Saturday, was the longest serving House Speaker in Washington history. Ralph Munro, a five-term Secretary of State, left us last week. A Democrat and a Republican, respectively, both were critical leaders in the Coalition, especially in our early years.
Frank served on the Coalition’s board in the late 90s and was instrumental in the development of new grant categories, particularly related to riparian areas and farmland protection. He stood up for the Coalition during the difficult times: a steadfast supporter of our mission and a true Coalition builder who helped us re-envision our organizational priorities and needs in 1998, upon completion of our first decade of work. A community organizer with a deep passion for ensuring affordable housing and health care, Frank embodied “coalition building” to the core: always looking to connect people, organizations, and leading with a strong sense of hope for a better future.
Ralph was a great supporter and extended his passion for our work to include his family, as he and his former wife Karen Munro hosted memorable WWRC gatherings. Founding Board member Bill Chapman fondly recalls touring Ralph and Karen’s property, including a tour of an archaeological dig site and “a must-see visit of Ralph’s prized collection of both election posters and hubcaps dating back to the 50s.” Ralph was a community leader, a champion for our orcas, a leader in rights for people with disabilities, and a tireless advocate for our non-partisan Coalition to help protect and preserve the great state of WA.
“Their early clarity in vision, guidance, and leadership enables us to effectively run the Coalition, never lose sight of our mission and purpose, and to take to heart their vision of a greener, healthier, more accessible, and better Washington for all.”
Yvonne Kraus, WWRC Executive Director
Founding Board member Charlie Raines fondly shares: “Ralph and Frank were wonderful people that I was privileged to have known. They demonstrated the best of our democratic institutions; it is notable that they were from different political parties. We were fortunate to have them involved and supporting the WWRP.”
We owe them both so much, and we will miss them even more. The Coalition’s success today is rooted in its unique, effective, and bipartisan vision. The brilliance of our long-lasting organizational make-up and design, as well as our passion to keep our lands protected, green, and accessible, is attributed to the leadership and dedication of both Frank Chopp and Ralph Munro.
“Ralph and Frank were wonderful people that I was privileged to have known. They demonstrated the best of our democratic institutions; it is notable that they were from different political parties. We were fortunate to have them involved and supporting the WWRP.”
Charlie Raines, Founding Board Member
Former and current Executive Directors Christine Mahler and Yvonne Kraus share that their success and clarity in direction for the organization are attributed to the vision and contributions of Munro and Chopp. Yvonne adds: “Their early clarity in vision, guidance, and leadership enables us to effectively run the Coalition, never lose sight of our mission and purpose, and to take to heart their vision of a greener, healthier, more accessible, and better Washington for all.”
Our deepest sympathy to the families and loved ones of Ralph Munro and Frank Chopp.
