We give thanks for our dear brother, friend and mentor, Dick Hoefs, who passed away on Nov. 26 in the presence of his loving family. Dick supported Opportunity clients for nearly 25 years and served on Opportunity boards for 15 years, including as chairman of Opportunity U.S. in 1992 and 1993.

Dick’s faithful presence, wisdom and tenacity have helped guide Opportunity for many years. While his voice will be greatly missed, his example of living out Christ’s call to love and serve the poor will continue to lead us.

In addition to his work with Opportunity International, Dick served on a variety of boards including the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. Dick was a partner with Arthur Anderson, specializing in international taxes, where he worked from 1950 until his retirement in 1985. Dick graduated with his business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1950 and earned his law degree in 1960 from DePaul University.

We pay tribute to the leadership, service and generosity that Dick provided to Opportunity International over several decades and express our appreciation to his son, Robert, and his daughter, Nancy Connelly, for Dick’s faithful service and lasting legacy at Opportunity International.