Glenn Pelikan, co-founder of U-Choose Education Forum, passed away on June 13, 2016 after a long health battle. Glenn was an experienced and successful leader working in a variety of capacities to bring his expertise to the nonprofit organizations for which he had passion.
Glenn and I met in early 2009, when our passion for improving the Oregon Republican Party was sparked by unwelcome changes we saw occurring in local and statewide politics. Not long after that we met Suzanne Gallagher, also a co-founder of U-Choose.
Glenn was a successful businessman, and a great guy. (See obituary at: http://zeller.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Glenn-William-Pelikan-103660190 ). Hired after graduation by Tektronix as an electrical engineer in the Patient Monitoring Products Division, Glenn was soon promoted, and became Research and Development Manager for medical products and negotiator for government contracts. This division was spun-off in 1981, becoming Spacelabs Medical, Inc., where Glenn held the position of executive vice-president.
After retirement, Glenn tried to bring his expertise to nonprofit and volunteer work. He was instrumental in starting Promise to Oregon and helping Kevin Mannix run for office and fund Common Sense for Oregon. Glenn was also instrumental in making leadership changes in Multnomah County Republicans, from 2009-2012. He provided leadership for U-Choose and contributed greatly to a joint grassroots get-out-the-vote project in 2012. Very few of Glenn’s contributions in this arena are mentioned in his obituary.
Glenn’s first love of leadership was fulfilled by his active involvement with the Catholic Church and the St. Rose of Lima Parish. St. Rose’s Father Matt Libra and Bishop Peter Smith (formerly a U-Choose speaker) presided over Glenn’s services, which were held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Saturday June 18, 2016. The Monsignor of the Archdiocese of Portland and other church leaders also participated in the services. In attendance was a large gathering of his friends and Catholic family, yet very few of Glenn’s political associates and fellow patriots from the past.
Being at Glenn’s funeral and knowing he is at peace warmed my heart. I realized how much Glenn had contributed to many people and organizations.
He was a tough guy. Sometimes Glenn and I butted heads, as business people and engineers trying to bring contemporary business practices to foreign lands, non-profit organizations and political activism. But we both shared a commitment to foundational conservative values. Some organizations listened, some did not. His church was receptive and reaped the benefits of Glenn’s experience.
Glenn Pelikan contributed much to the Oregon grassroots movement. He will be sorely missed.
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