Remembering a great friend

To the Editor:

It was Jan. 3, 2000, and I found myself in a brand new job, in a town I had only visited a few times before.

To say I was nervous would be an understatement, when in walks the editor of the Falls News to get the scoop on what I planned to do as the new executive director of Sheboygan Falls Chamber-Main Street.

Her handshake let me know she was there to get the “real story.” I needed to choose my words carefully, because Sandy Kimball was there for the “facts.”

But after a few minutes we were sharing stories, opinions, and even a few secrets. Thus began a friendship that I will always value as my first in Sheboygan Falls.

Sandy and I spent many interviews together, but more important were the casual visits, luncheons and memorable trips to the Sheboygan County Fair to make sure the “Falls kids” received their 15 minutes of well-deserved fame.

If Sandy was impatient, it was only because she didn’t like to waste her time on anything that wasn’t going to lead to a story.

If Sandy was curt, it was because she wanted to get to the point of every story.

If Sandy was your friend, you had a friend for life.

Last year, I saw Sandy and we promised to get together and catch up on all the goings-on in our community.

I meant to do just that because time spent with Sandy was always an adventure. I meant to, but just didn’t get around to it in time.

I meant to send a card, but who would I send it to? I meant to attend the service, but there wasn’t one.

And so how do I mark the passing of such a good and trusted friend who came to care about Chamber-Main Street as much as I did?

I guess I write this letter to the Falls News and to the community of Sheboygan Falls and say simply that a “true original” has left us, but we are the better for having known her.

I guess I spend a moment looking at the birthday gift she gave me one year, or remembering St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage at The Villager.

I guess I remember a visit to her in the hospital, when I saw her vulnerable for the only time.

I guess I take a quiet moment to remember Sandy and that first day, and all the days that followed.

I will miss you, but my job has been a greater success and my life has been enriched by simply knowing you.

Thank you, my friend.
Nancy Verstrate, executive
director, Chamber-Main Street