Sidney Epstein 1923 – 2016

Last night, at the age of 92, Sidney Epstein, our longtime leader and mentor passed away after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. For those of you who never got to meet the man - Sid was truly special. Incredibly dedicated, driven, and, most importantly, generous to a fault. Whether it was while leading our company for the better part of 50 years, or in his numerous charitable endeavors or just in his daily interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, Sid made you feel like when he was talking to you that you were the most important person in his life. And this coming from a man that was on a first name basis with every Mayor of Chicago for the past ½ century!

Sid lived a full and a life worthy of a book. Not only did he help transform, with his brother Raymond, our company from a modest Chicago design and engineering firm into a full-service AEC corporation with offices throughout the world, but he also lived a full life full of adventure. You would be hard pressed to name a country that Sid had not visited and during these journeys he connected with people, both rich and poor, forming lifelong relationships and bonds.

But Sid's greatest trait was being incredibly committed to helping those in need. In 1956, Sid by chance met Elliott Donnelley, of the R.R. Donnelley family-fame, while waiting for an exceptionally slow elevator. Small talk and chit-chat led to a deep conversation about the need to support youth programs in Chicagoland. Both men believed in, 'community inclusion, strong and effective leadership, thoroughly tested programs and continuous innovation' which would have a great impact on not only the young but the greater community as well. Their 'elevator talk' spurred both men to found Chicago's largest and most effective youth organization Chicago Youth Centers (CYC). Today, the CYC offers services to children and youth ages three to 19 in seven Chicago neighborhoods (Bridgeport, Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, South Shore, Riverdale/Altgeld and Roseland through eight community centers and at CYC's Camp Rosenthal in Dowagiac, Michigan. Of all of Sid's grand professional achievements in life he felt the CYC was his greatest accomplishment.

If you were lucky enough to know Sid, please count your blessings, your life is all the better for it. And, if you never had the pleasure, know this, Sid was a grand example of living life as it's meant. Full of enjoyment, passion, perseverance and, most important of all, love. For family, friends and for those less fortunate.

Sid you will be missed more than words can say. Thank you for everything you have done for us at Epstein and in life.

Raymond, Abraham and Sidney Epstein - A. Epstein and Sons is together again.