Donald E. Percy

Don was the first DHS Secretary I got to know after I moved to WI to work at Disability Rights WI. He set the bar pretty high. I have a vivid memory of him from the 1980s, coming to a meeting of 25 representatives of various advocacy groups shortly after the DHS budget was released. He showed up solo: no budget papers, no Budget Director, no Deputy. He fielded questions on every part of the 200+ page budget for an hour and a half. He knew the programs , the numbers, and the rationales, and he did it all with a sense of humor. It was a Cabinet member tour de force.

I had the privilege of working with Don Percy when he was CEO of the UWCU. My heart goes out to his family and friends, as not have we only lost a very intellectual leader, we also lost a really great guy who was always willing to help another. Don will certainly be missed by many. Linda Wilkinson Punta Gorda Florida

My family is so sad to have lost our good neighbor. Good Neighbor does not even begin to describe Don Percy. In the time that I have known him all I ever saw him do was good things for his Neighbors. He was always serving others every time I saw him every time I chatted with him he was in the middle of doing something kind for someone else. And that's all I can say about that. I have no question he has gone home to the Heaven. He was an angel here on Earth. My heart is broken for Beth. But if there is ever anything I can do please tell me and it will be done. Chris, Sophie, and I are right across the hall. Your friend and neighbor, Wendy Porter

I knew Don as a valuable member of the Certified Public Manager Advisory Board. He was knowledgeable and wise. Even more important, he was kind and considerate. I considered him a mentor of sorts, for his display of wide and comprehensive knowledge, his insights into effective management, and his unending support for public service and public servants. He made the world a better place, and will be missed

It was an honor and privilege to visit Don each Friday to "check in" with him. He was always so friendly and polite, and would often ask, "what can I help you with?" He will be missed. Barb, Agrace Volunteer