Thank you for letting your readers know of the death of Karl Bren in your March 2-4, 2023, edition. He was a gem of a human being.

I can remember clearly his excitement sitting with me and brainstorming what the ElderHomes Corp. volunteer department might look like even before we had the William Byrd development money in hand to start the program. That was Karl.

I also had the pleasure of serving with Karl on his Virginia Housing and the Environment Network (VaHEN), which he started in 1995 to “conserve energy and other natural resources, protect water quality, reduce waste, strengthen local economies, and provide a more rewarding quality of life for citizens of the Commonwealth.” That was Karl.

He was passionate about encouraging and lifting up persons and enterprises and organizations that promoted community and its quality sustenance.

He always will be remembered in the Richmond community with appreciation.

BEN LACY ROSE JR.

Richmond