Nick Skala – September 16, 1981 to August 8, 2009
Tragic news from PNHP
We at Physicians for a National Health Program are terribly saddened to report the sudden and unexpected loss of one of our staff members, Nicholas Skala, who died August 8th, 2009, in his Chicago home at the age of 27 of unknown causes.
Nick was one of our nation’s most gifted and dedicated advocates for single-payer national health insurance — for truly universal, comprehensive and quality care for all. His incisive mind, wide-ranging knowledge and formidable skills of argument were devoted entirely to bringing about a better world for everyone.
To his friends and co-workers, he was an extremely witty and compassionate human being, and a great source of inspiration and encouragement.
Nick had only recently returned to Chicago from two months in Washington, D.C., where he contributed significantly to the cause of single-payer health reform in multiple ways. He was committed to working for PNHP in our Chicago office during the next six weeks prior to his return to his classes at Northwestern University Law School.
His death is a heavy blow to our organization and to the entire single-payer movement.
We at PNHP extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Nick’s family and friends.
A funeral service for Nicholas Skala will be held this Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lauterburg-Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 East Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights IL 60004.
Visitation will take place from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Nick’s parents, Judith and Ronald Skala, ask that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Nick’s memory be made to Physicians for a National Health Program, 29 E. Madison St., Suite 602, Chicago IL 60602.
Sympathy cards can be sent to Judith and Ronald Skala at 12215 Lakewood Glen Ct., Cypress, TX 77429. Condolence messages sent to PNHP or the funeral home will be forwarded to Nick’s family.
We vow to redouble our efforts to bring about Nick Skala’s vision.
4 Responses to “Nick Skala – September 16, 1981 to August 8, 2009”
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Physicians for a National Health Program's blog serves to facilitate communication among physicians and the public. The views presented on this blog are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of PNHP.
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eanilles
August 24th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
What I would have said,
Dear Nick,
Thank you so much for the support, encouragement, and information you gave me as I was beginning my new life as an activist in health care reform. From my first training in Chicago in 2005, to my first talk in Minnesota (for which you provided ample technical assistance, quality information, and over-all moral support), I have considered you a pillar of the national single-payer movement. Watching you rise to national prominence was so gratifying. You are a part of my talks, as I show the slide you created of Marie Antoinette with the caption, “Let them buy insurance.” It always gets a laugh, and I always credit you. I will continue to do that Nick, and thank you for the inspiration and leadership you gave to me.
With enormous admiration and gratitude,
Lisa Nilles
Minnesota
jfloyd
August 25th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Nick was a leader in the fight for single payer and equity in health care. Everyone who knew him remembers his intelligence, his dedication to the fight for justice, and his sharp wit. I miss him a great deal, both as a friend and colleague.
Bev Alves
October 30th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I never got a chance to meet Nick, but I was on the last LCGHC Steering Committee Conference call that he was on. It was only a day and a half before he passed. Even by phone I was greatly touched by his enthusiasm, energy, brillance and devotion. It all came through on the call.
I had planned to call Nick the following week, to discuss my “greed disorder” theory with him. I felt he would have an idea about how legislation could be enacted to control damage to society from those who have this rapacious condition. I knew he would be working on the Weiner amendment that weekend, so I decided I would wait until the following week before I called. When I read about his passing that Sunday morning, I was devastated.
Nick will always be a part of our success in time to come. He was a shining star whose light will always be with us.
KatieHCN
December 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Nick’s eloquence and insight into the political machine helped advance single-payer further than we could have expected in this legislative moment. He is largely the reason for the energy moving forward to a vote on single-payer legislation in the House, and while it didn’t happen, we still expect it in the Senate. Nick’s advocacy was clear, concise, and honest. Something that is hard to come by in Washington DC. We lost a leader in Nick Skala, but he taught those who knew him not to waste a single breath advocating for anything less than what we know this country so desperately needs – Medicare for All. Thank you, Nick. You are missed so much.