In Memoriam: Steve Solarz

Washington, D.C. (December 3, 2010) – It is with great sorrow that APCO Worldwide mourns our colleague and friend Steve Solarz, who passed away on Nov. 29, 2010, after a brave battle with cancer. Steve joined APCO Worldwide's International Advisory Council more than a decade ago after a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Congress, and we were honored to have him as a resident in our Washington, D.C., office.

As an expert in Asia, he helped shape our knowledge and vision of that region. Steve was a natural scholar, and everyone who interacted with him always walked away with new insights.

Steve's commitment to public service will serve as a lasting legacy and set a standard to which we can all aspire.

Congressman Don Bonker, a close friend who served together with Steve as members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said:

"Steve Solarz possessed many fine qualities, as a person and a leader. We came together in the so-called Watergate class of 1974 and both served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. From the outset, Steve's priority was foreign policy and he quickly emerged as an influential voice on relevant issues of the day. Steve personally met more foreign leaders than anyone in the Congress, and his views were just as respected in other countries as they were in Washington. Few worked harder, traveled more extensively, had more knowledge that stretched to all continents and were more persuasive than Steve Solarz."

Steve's personal traits were just as impressive. Steve was admired and liked by former associates, staffers and friends; colleagues in Congress; top people at the State Department; and the team at APCO. He was vibrant, engaging and simply a delight to be around. People who knew him best appreciated Steve's keen intellect and wit and always enjoyed being in his company.

In the last few years, Steve had been struggling with esophageal cancer, not unlike that which had taken our mutual friend, Tom Lantos. Even while undergoing treatment, Steve was always upbeat and more interested in enlightened discussion than dwelling on his health condition.

Steve was a special and dear friend who will be missed at APCO and well beyond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nina and his children and grandchildren.