NDI mourns the passing of Senior Systems Engineer Donald Lasko. Don, who was 62, died suddenly on Friday, January 29.

Don was well-known by his colleagues for his positive outlook and ability to solve complex technical problems. Don derived satisfaction not from the amount of praise he received from others, but from a personal sense of pride derived from a job well-done. Over his three years working at NDI, Don ensured the smooth operation of NDI's systems so that others could focus on serving the Institute's broader mission.

“All of Don's colleagues at NDI will dearly miss him,” said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Don's wife Rhonda and the entire Lasko family.”

NDI Senior Systems Engineering Manager Justice Mensah, a close friend and colleague of Don’s, delivered the following eulogy at a funeral service on February 4, 2016:

My name is Justice Mensah. I worked with Don for three years at the National Democratic Institute and shared an office with him.

You get to know someone up close and personal when you share an office.

Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” Most of all, Don was a giving person -- one who thought of others before himself.

As a valuable member of the Technology Team, he was someone who looked to help his colleagues rather than compete -- someone who gave much to his work and asked for nothing in return.

Absolutely no strings were attached to Don’s generous nature.

There was never a more encouraging, dedicated and supportive co-worker, happy to share his knowledge without seeking praise or attention.

Every new person was welcomed and made to feel a part of the team. Don always took interest in helping the people around him succeed.

Who does not appreciate a co-worker like that?

In addition to his valued role on the Tech Team, I wanted to add that Don was a very good cook and cooked his own meals. He was a fixture in the 7th floor kitchen where he could be seen religiously eating his morning yogurt or warming some home-cooked lunch with curry over a bed of rice. He loved his curry!

Through these daily routines, he made friends from all teams on the 7th floor, talking about a topic of the day while waiting for the microwave. Laughter usually accompanied his visits there, and he brought that good humor and quick smile to everyone he met. His loss has been felt by many across the Institute.

Someone once said "How beautiful the day can be when kindness touches it." As we celebrate his life today, let's honor Don by recommitting ourselves to being a little more giving in our daily lives, and practicing random acts of kindness as a tribute. In this way, his goodwill will live on.

Don really loved his wife Rhonda and never stopped talking about her so Rhonda, I know you will miss him and we will miss him too.

Rhonda, it is my sincere prayer that the Good LORD will keep you, protect and comfort you.

Published on February 5, 2016