The Jack Evans Report

As many of you are likely aware, my longtime friend and Committee Clerk, Jeff Coudriet, recently lost his fight with cancer. Ward 2 and the entire city have experienced a great loss.

Jeff served as my Clerk for the Committee on Finance and Revenue and knew the District’s budget and financial workings like no other. It was exemplary of this character that he always took the time to share this knowledge with others—new Council staff, members of the media, and anyone else who might be interested in the workings of the District.

Over a decade of public service to Washington also took Jeff to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulatory Administration and the office of Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose. He served as President of the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, and as a board member of the Logan Circle Community Association. Jeff stayed just as busy outside of the Wilson building as he did while at work, and we are all better off for it.

Jeff was a part of a special group of dedicated Ward 2 residents who worked so hard to make our neighborhoods and our city great. He was one of the most positive, uplifting, and inspiring people I have ever known or worked with. I valued his loyalty, his support, and above all his friendship.

As we go through our daily lives, drone on through deadlines, and move from function to function, I know that when my spirit begins to sag, I can recall those things that made Jeff so special—intelligence, charm, enthusiasm, and love of life—and feel rejuvenated. Anyone who knew Jeff at all knew that he was one who strived to leave the world better than he found it.

It is impossible to put into words the contributions Jeff made to our city and its residents and the loss we are all feeling now that he is gone. My staff and I extend our condolences to Jeff’s family and friends, and deeply mourn his passing.

Donations in Jeff’s memory can be made to the Jeff Coudriet Memorial Community Education Fund, Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, 1929 18th Street, NW, PMB 2000, Washington, DC, 20009 or online at SteinDemocrats.org. Funds given in Jeff’s name will be used to support community education activities and events during the annual Pride Season.