Dear Skålleagues,

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Skål International Colorado is saddened to inform Skålleagues worldwide of the passing of William (“Bill”) C. Sweet April 24 at the age of 96. A member of the University of Denver’s School of Hospitality & Tourism’s first graduating class, Bill began his industry career at Denver’s famous Brown Palace Hotel, eventually rising through the ranks to serve as the Brown’s General Manager & President. Having joined Skål in 1963, Bill quickly rose through the officer ranks to become President of our local club in 1971.

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That, however, was merely the beginning of Bill’s service to SIUSA/NAASC and the Skål movement worldwide. By 1984-85, he was elected President of the “North American Association of Skål Clubs” (NAASC), leading an organization of then more than 100 Skål Clubs stretching across Canada, the US, Mexico, and the Affiliated Clubs of the Caribbean. From 1985 until 2001, Bill Sweet went on to serve as the Executive Secretary for both SIUSA & NAASC, efficiently

coordinating the diverse administrative responsibilities on behalf of all North American clubs with Skål International’s world headquarters in Spain.

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Having attended more than 30 SIUSA/NAASC Congresses and over 25

International Skål Congresses over the years, Bill will always be remembered as personifying the organization’s commitment to happiness and friendship that Skål so values. After being awarded the “Order of Skal Merit” in 1994, Bill was named “Honorary President” for both SIUSA & NAASC in 2006. Bill’s most treasured recognition within the world of Skål was being named “Membre D’Honneur of Skal International” in 2003, a distinguished honor bestowed on only a handful of SIUSA members since the organization’s founding.

 

Our local Skål International Colorado members have frequently been asked to “be remembered to Bill” whenever in contact with other Skål Clubs, an honor we’ve proudly recognized as reflective of his time and dedication to the Skål movement. Bill will be missed yet never forgotten, not only locally, but also among long time Skålleagues worldwide. 

 

To Bill and “to fellow Skålleagues everywhere, happiness, good health, friendship, long life, Skål!”

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