Franzen: Ted Kanavas' passing leaves a hole in Wisconsin

The passing of former state Sen. Ted Kanavas the other day was a sad day not only for his family, but for Wisconsin as well. His death from cancer at 56 came far too early and deprived us all of a compassionate and energetic leader.

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson nailed it when he said in a statement, “Ted's passing comes too soon. His endless passion and energy for recognizing, engaging and solving public problems, both as an elected official and a private citizen, made him remarkable."

When Kanavas was in the Legislature, he and I would meet occasionally for breakfast at the Pancake House in Brookfield. Those meetings were generally both educational and entertaining. Kanavas always had new ideas to share, often about improving education about which he had a steadfast passion. You got the sense that he really did care about kids in schools, especially in Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods.

You also got the sense that he cared about you; he would ask about your family and how they were doing, and how you were doing. He would always ask the waiters and waitresses how they were doing, and never forgot to say thanks, something that is less common than you might think. And he was fun to talk with, offering political wit and insights.

I'll miss him, both his ideas and his conversation. His loss leaves a hole in Wisconsin.