Chairman's Message:
Honoring John N. Colberg

By Dr. Terry L. Simpson, Chairman of the Board

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to John N. Colberg, who died Dec. 23, 2002, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Mr. Colberg had served on the CIRI board since its earliest days. Over his 30 years of service to CIRI, he provided key leadership that guided CIRI and set the corporation’s course.

When he died in December at age 71, Mr. Colberg was serving on the board as Chairman Emeritus, the honorary title the board gave him to mark his more than 20 years of service as chairman of the board. Besides serving on the CIRI board, he distinguished himself for his service in leadership positions in Seldovia and on the Southcentral Foundation board of directors, as well as the boards of Seldovia Native Association, Cook Inlet Properties Inc., and the Seldovia Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Colberg had a special place in his heart for children, and he could always be counted on to donate to any cause that benefited them, whether it was sports, graduation, Boys and Girls Club or Fourth of July celebrations.

While Mr. Colberg was a very quiet individual, it was one of those things where still waters run deep. He was a thoughtful man. When he contributed a comment or a suggestion, it meant something. And he always checked facts for himself. He had his calculator and would re-check numbers in financial reports or calculate shareholder dividends. In fact, it was Mr. Colberg who made the motion for the largest shareholder dividend in CIRI’s history.
John N. Colberg
John N. Colberg

There are many things I will remember about Mr. Colberg, but what I will hold close will be the sparkle in his eyes and the quiet way in which he led. I am gratified to note that the CIRI board of directors has chosen to name the CIRI boardroom the John N. Colberg Boardroom. This is a fitting honor for our former chairman because he deserves to be remembered for many years to come. It’s gratifying to know that as the CIRI board of directors gathers to undertake its work and make decisions affecting all of the shareholders, it will be done in a place named in his honor.

We will miss John. He was bright, steady, and kept his perspective about what was important to CIRI and its shareholders, and often reminded us of our mission.

The board of directors and the staff of CIRI wish to express our sympathy to Mr. Colberg’s family. All of the CIRI family mourns his passing.

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