Our friend and colleague, Sidney Kuropchak, 61, Operations Manager of eCE and President and Co-founder of the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) passed away on Aug. 23, 2013, after nearly a year long battle with cancer. She was the light and life of our company and will always be in our hearts and minds. With a constant smile on her face, Sid built eCE and LEVA with intelligence, determination and genuine kindness. Everyone who knew her shares our regards for her.
Sid is survived by spouse John Kuropchak and other family members. Professionally, Sid was a co-founder of LEVA and had served as executive director, board member and president. Her leadership and pleasant management style was responsible for the rapid growth and extensive membership of the LEVA. LEVA promotes and supports the industry of electric powered two wheelers such as electric bicycles, electric motor scooters, etc. Today LEVA has more than 250 members in 29 countries.
Sid also acted as the Operations Manager for eCycleElectric Consulting, a working relationship that lasted more than 15 years. During this time she held key posts at WaveCrest Labs, Ultra Motor USA and Stone Industrial. Prior to that she was the president of Lauren Manufacturing.
Those who know and worked with Sid held her in high regard. "I depended on Sid to be the wise voice of reason and to remember everything that needed to be done — while charming everyone she came in contact with, for half of my professional life," said Edward Benjamin, chairman of LEVA. "To say she is missed terribly by her friends and co-workers is an understatement. And I know her family must be devastated."
Sid held a MA in Sociology from Kent State. She was married to John Kuropchak for 37 years.