Tribute To Thyra Sperry

by Paul Shaw, KTA President

It was with great sadness that I learned of Thyra Sperry's passing. Thyra was the consummate volunteer, a strong leader during a transitional period for KTA, and a good friend. 
 
I came to know Thyra well when I served as KTA's first Executive Director at the same time that Thyra served as chair of the recently constituted KTA board. We grew in our positions together. Thyra never wavered in her quest to make KTA bigger, stronger, financially secure, and an outspoken advocate for the hiking community. Her strong leadership, her volunteerism, and her philanthropy provide a great role model for us all.
 
Her volunteerism knew no bounds. When it came to helping to manage the Susquehanna Super Hike, helping to move the KTA office, interviewing board candidates, representing KTA at meetings, opening her house to board members, and much more, Thyra was always the first to volunteer. She would usually make sure that husband Dick Martin was the second. I can't recall a time that Thyra ever turned down a request for help, unless she was on a birding trip to some foreign land. Besides her husband, Thyra loved birds, ATC, and KTA, and devoted endless time to each.
 
Thyra's legacy is the growing, influential KTA that we have today. She will be greatly missed.
 
Paul Shaw
KTA Board President