In Memory of Paul Von Drasek

We honor the life of a fierce champion of young writers and a dear friend to 826 MSP, Paul Von Drasek.

Paul was a board member with 826 MSP, formerly Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute, from 2013-2019. He played many roles within our organization, including Vice Board Chair. As a board member, Paul was instrumental in helping our organization join the 826 national network of youth writing centers, and in making connections in the publishing industry as we developed that arm of our programming.

Most importantly, Paul was an incredible volunteer with our organization, across many of our programs. He was a patient and kind After-School tutor, an incredible cranky captain in our field trips program, and a steadfast Young Authors' Book Project volunteer. He volunteered for the program year after year, helping youth produce five beautiful anthologies that will live on as a testament to his spirit.

These words penned so beautifully thanking Paul in the acknowledgments to our 2019 anthology Indigenous Originated capture the spirit Paul brought to all of his work with our organization:

"To our board member and volunteer Paul Von Drasek, your unwavering support-- whether there was a blizzard or a plan fell through-- carried us to the finish line. A gentleman and gentle man, you brought such empathy to the classroom and helped cultivate trust and community. You are so appreciated."

We will deeply miss this gentleman and gentle man, and we are honored to continue Paul’s legacy of empowering the next generation of Twin Cities authors.

Paul's obituary can be found here: https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000391585/...

Donations can be made to 826 MSP in Paul's memory here:

https://www.givemn.org/story/Paulvondrasek

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Paul gives a pep talk to 826 MSP young writers as they finish their manuscript during the pandemic.