Ward Allen, Fighter for Second Chances, has passed.

Ward could be an asshole. He could also be the kindest person you knew. But these were both with intention. He had a singular focus to ensure that those who had been in prison, had a fighting chance to make something of their lives, and not go back. He would always proudly say that his truck driving program only had a 7% recidivism rate. Although, like many things he said, I was pretty sure this was a bit embellished... But there was no doubt in my mind that many of his students didn't go back to prison. And more vitally, didn't steal again, or hurt someone again. His work wasn't only about helping ex-offenders, it was also helping all of us.

We were not likely friends. I am a computer nerd, and he was a truck driver. I am not naturally a salesperson or hustler. He was always hustling, but not for himself, but for the work, for the ex-offenders. This is where we found joint cause. It is where many of us found joint cause with him.

But many of us, including myself, could only go so far with him, before we had to stop having him in our lives. Because, while he was crazy like a fox, he was still crazy. And while we had a common goal, he would make whatever deal, or say whatever he needed to in the moment, to get one step closer... Even if this would destroy his work in the end. And it did a few times. The ends can only justify the means to a certain extent before they collapse with their own weight.

We did share some similarities. We were both "behind the scenes" people. But his was about the political connections. He had been the Teamster representative to the Lyndon B. Johnson White House. He had been the bus driver for a time for Hillary Clinton. His truck driving program had won the Drucker prize, and he got to know Frances Hesselbein. That is how I met Frances and I will always appreciate Ward for having me drive her to and from the airport. He knew that being a driver could open up conversations. It is also through him that I met Delaine Eastin. And I'm sure it was due to him, that when I was Teacher of the Year for my adult school, I received a letter from Senator Barbara Boxer.

I learned a few things about politics from him. First, he was never afraid to talk to anyone, in any position of power. He would get their contact information, and talk with them. I have taken this on in my own way, to reach out to people who I respect and say thank you them, no matter how famous or powerful they are.

I also saw how he would make sure he treated everyone in a politicians office with respect. He told me that he knew that many of the junior staffers will some day be the senior staffers for a politician. It is through this, that he was able to connect us to Darrel Steinberg when he was President Pro Tempore of the California Senate, because he had built a relationship with his staff.

But, even though he was very political, I never had a sense that he outright used people. He did have genuine care. But, he did have an agenda. Although, it was an open agenda... It was always about helping ex-offenders. It was always about getting them a second chance. It was about helping those who most people would turn their backs on. And, while I wish he had more of a legacy that would continue to help those in need, unfortunately building for the long term was not his strength. But, in the life he had, he did help thousands of ex-offenders to get their truck driving license, to get a job, and to become contributing members of society, who more often than not, stayed out of prison. And so, despite our falling out, I will always respect Ward. And I am deeply saddened, with tears in my eyes right now, knowing he is gone.