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Founder’s friend, inspiration dies   It’s difficult to find a history of CPRF or Center Industries Corporation that doesn’t mention Pat Kraft – the catalyst, the driving force, the guy who challenged the organizations’ founder in a day when options for people with disabilities were practically non-existent.   Born in Quinter, Kan., and raised in Grainfield, Kraft was the seventh of nine children.  As a student at the Institute of Logopedics, Kraft was taught by John F. Jonas Jr., then a speech pathologist.  As Kraft grew into a young man, with all the dreams and aspirations of others, a friendship developed that would forever change the lives of people this community and beyond and lead to the nation’s most competitive manufacturing facility that employs people with disabilities – Center Industries Corporation.   “I watched him grow up,” said Jonas, “and we teamed to work toward similar goals that would make life better for him and his friends. He was a great inspiration to me.”    In 1973, Kraft moved to the Jaycees Cerebral Palsy Ranch and became a member of a group that Jonas referred to as the “Dirty Dozen.”  In 1977, Kraft began work as a full time employee at Center Industries Corporation and just two years later he got the most exciting phone call of his life – his first apartment was ready for him.   “I’ll never forget the way he yelled into the phone,” said Joyce Smith, CPRF Executive secretary, who made the phone call.  “It was pure joy.”   Throughout his life, Kraft fought for his own independence and lent his voice to those who cannot be heard.   “He was a strong advocate,” recalls Jonas.  “He spent a lot of time picketing abortion because of his deep belief that abortion was not the proper way to take care of an infant,” said Jonas who recalls Kraft’s participation in rallies in Wichita, Topeka and as far as Washington D.C., where he was briefly jailed.    In 1982, NISH bestowed upon Kraft the William M. Usdane Severely Handicapped Worker of the Year Award, and the Kansas House of Representative and Senate gave him a standing ovation in the Capitol when they passed a resolution to honor his achievements.   “Pat was a good man, beyond his contributions that inspired my work and the work of others,” said Jonas.  “He went as far as he could – to achieve what God allows us to achieve is the goal and Pat exemplified.  He used what God gave him very effectively.”   Kraft is survived by Anthony and Rosalie, parents; Duane, Leroy, Jerry, Gail, brothers; Janice Manhart, sister; and numerous nieces and nephews. ...Back to the front page