Dear School Choice Allies:

School Choice Wisconsin staff, coalition allies and I mourn the loss of John Walton who died in a plane crash yesterday. The world seems to have a big hole in it.

John was a thoroughly good man. We benefited not just from his generosity but from his commitment and his intellect. He was unassuming, engaging, curious and kind. I, like many others, have lost not just a leader but a dear friend.

John was steadfast in his support for parent choice in Milwaukee. Many of you met him during his visits and know that he considered you the heroes of the movement. He followed our fortunes closely and came to know many in our coalition.

Joe Williams just reminded me that John finished a speech in Milwaukee several years ago by saying that sometime we all will regard school choice as we do voting rights for blacks and women ­ a straightforward and simple matter of justice.

I hope that John¹s spirit, his fortitude, and his fundamental goodness will help the rest of us fill the hole and achieve his vision.

With the deepest sadness,

Susan Mitchell

Note: The Walton family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in John Walton's name to the Alliance for School Choice in Phoenix; the Children's Scholarship Fund in New York; and Teton Science School in Kelly
Wyoming.