Les Skramstad
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization mourns the passing of Les
Skramstad, age 70, lost his 11 year battle to asbestos caused diseases
and mesothelioma on Sunday, April 21st 2007.
Les became an activist to warn people about the dangers of
asbestos. "This didn't happen to us, this was done to us,"
Skramstad has said more times than he can count. "It was done to us,
and that's what people don't understand." He has talked to
individuals, groups and legislators all over the country and had become
friends with governors and senators. In 1999 Les was instrumental
in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporting the situation in Libby.
Les worked at Zonolite, a vermiculite mine company purchased in 1963 by
W.R. Grace Co., for three short years as a sweeper. Les was
diagnosed with asbestosis in 1996 and then mesothelioma in 2007.
“Les will be always remembered for his honesty, courage, integrity and
his unwavering commitment to justice and asbestos disease awareness,”
said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Cofounder of Asbestos
Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
Les and Norita join Gayla Benifield in Washington D.C. for the 1st 2005
Asbestos Awareness Day.
“Les was a hero. If there was ever anyone who had their moral
compass pointing in the right direction, it was Les,” said Margy
Urnberg, ADAO National Representative Director and former Libby
resident.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Norita of 51 years, 5 children;
Laurel, Brent, Gayla, Brady and Sloan and grandchildren. Several
of Les’ family members also suffer from asbestos-related diseases.
Memorial donations can be made to Center for Asbestos Disease
Center, 214 East 3rd Street, Libby, MT 59923
Les Skramstad and Gayla Benifield in Washington D.C.
for the 1st 2005
Asbestos Awareness Day