In Memoriam: Sheldon Baskin

BPI is saddened by the recent passing of long-time director Sheldon Baskin, who served BPI as a devoted board member for more than 25 years.  Sheldon’s expertise in affordable housing and lifelong commitment to social justice made an indelible impact on BPI.  Shelly brought to his Board service a generous heart, keen intellect, and fierce passion for social justice that was truly the organizing principle of his life. 

“He could always be counted on for wise counsel, good ideas, generous support, and spirited participation,” said BPI Executive Director Hoy McConnell. 

Shelly’s astute business acumen propelled the success of his company, Metroplex, Inc., which developed low- and moderate-income housing throughout the Chicago region.  But he will be remembered most not for doing well, but for his commitment to doing good—he devoted his entire life to providing decent, affordable housing to people who needed it.  His friends and colleagues will remember him most for his generosity.

BPI is a better organization for Shelly’s involvement. He will be deeply missed.  Our heartfelt condolences to Shelly’s wonderful family—his wife, Judy Wise, also a BPI director, and their children and grandchildren. 

For more about Shelly’s life and work, see this Chicago Tribune article.

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