In Tribute to our Beloved Board Member and Friend, Brian Kruk
1981-2022
November 4, 2022
During the 2022 Feed Your Mind Gala, on behalf of the Pilot Light Board of Directors, President Matthias Merges and Treasurer Frank Mahoney announced the creation of the Brian E. Kruk Memorial Fund.
Brian Kruk was a dear friend and colleague to everyone at Pilot Light. He served generously on our Board of Directors for four years. Taken too soon, his love of food, his background in education, and his thirst for learning made him a perfect match for our mission.
Brian was a natural-born educator and traveler. From his adventures of teaching in a Yup’ik village in Southwestern Alaska or traveling to Sendai, Japan–teaching English for two years–Brian lived by the credo “remain curious.”
His hunger for adventure was matched only by his willingness to jump into projects whole-heartedly. Brian’s contributions great and small made Pilot Light stronger, better, and a whole lot more fun. Each of us a richer person for knowing him. We were truly blessed to have Brian with us on our journey.
We deeply admired Brian’s intellect, his sense of humor, and his ability to create friends quickly in any situation. And we are deeply honored that the Kruk and Jarvis families chose Pilot Light as the recipient of his memorial gifts.
To honor his legacy, we announce the establishment of the Brian E. Kruk Memorial Fund. The Fund will honor Brian’s legacy at Pilot Light, with funds being devoted to supporting our Food Education Fellowship and the teachers who embody Brian’s love of food and learning.
The Pilot Light Board of Directors and staff express their deep appreciation and gratitude to Brian Kruk’s family, and to the outpouring of support from his friends and colleagues.