By Tom Scanlan

Bill Laack is a long-time member of the NFB of Minnesota Metro Chapter, and has always lived the NFB philosophy of leading a full life on terms of security, equality, and opportunity.  Bill has participated in many NFB activities including chapter meetings, conventions, and running in our move-a-thon to raise money for the NFB of Minnesota in which he so strongly believes.

At the 2007 Medtronic Celebration of Courage on August 25, Bill was awarded a Phillips Award from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation.  The Foundation sponsors this award “to honor people with disabilities who have achieved success in their chosen careers.”   This is what the award says about Bill, to which we can only add our own agreement and congratulations.

William Laack, Minneapolis, Self-Employed Piano Tuner, Professional Jazz Musician.  William, 78, is a self-employed piano tuner, who works for private schools, homes, churches, and business establishments.  He has been the principal piano tuner for the Minneapolis School District for more than 20 years.  Born blind, William uses a white cane and gets around using the public bus system.  He has memorized the intricate map of Minneapolis streets and bus routes to be independently mobile.  Since he was 16, William has been a professional jazz saxophone and piano player.  Charles Clarke, a fellow musician and retired music teacher admires William "for many things, but I especially praise him for his pride, promptness, honesty and strong sense of independence.  He is a man of his word." And, if that weren't enough, William runs with the Achilles Track Club, ran his first marathon at the age of 56, and has completed seven marathons.  At 73 he started dat­ing his new lady-love and believes, "There's life after 75, and plenty of it."