A message from Cindy Bentley, Executive Director & Ashley Mathy, President
- Cindy Bentley
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
We learned of very sad news over the weekend. Two long-time People First Wisconsin members and friends, Larry Brown and Mark Hubbard, died in December. This is a huge loss for the disability advocacy community. Larry and Mark both shared really great ideas to improve support and services for people with disabilities. In addition to their work with People First Wisconsin over the years, both were involved with ADAPT and Larry previously served on the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities.
Cindy noted, “Larry had a very strong faith. He always talked with me about how we shared a strong faith. We talk about people with disabilities and the importance of independence. Larry and Mark lived their lives on their own terms. It is impressive that Larry took care of Mark just like a brother. They saw themselves as brothers. Over the years, I saw Mark and Larry a lot. I remember meeting Larry for the first time when we were closing down Jackson Center where Mark lived. Larry came to many public meetings to advocate for community services. Just last Spring, both of them testified at the Joint Finance Committee hearing and months before that they spoke about transportation concerns to leaders of DHS Wisconsin. They were both fierce advocates.”
Ashley remembers, “They were very smart people who had great ideas. They were really there for each other. They were two peas in a pod. You did not see one without the other. They really had each other’s backs; it was the true definition of friendship. Larry was a great advocate for Mark. He made a point of making sure that Mark had the time he needed to speak and share his thoughts. They were such an important part of the disability community that this leaves a huge hole.”
We will miss seeing them at Milwaukee PFW Chapter meetings and virtual meetings, the Self-Determination Conference, and Disability Advocacy Day. They both cared deeply about long-term care services, accessible transportation, and full inclusion. We appreciate the leadership Larry showed by serving as the Milwaukee Chapter President and as a Member-at-Large on the statewide People First Wisconsin Executive Committee. We thank them for their advocacy, leadership, and friendship.
