Alex Spanko Oregon Death: It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, friend, and visionary, Alex Spanko. As the Director of Communications at the Center for Innovation (CFI), Alex’s contributions were not only instrumental in shaping the voice and mission of our organization, but also in driving a meaningful change in the way eldercare is perceived and delivered. His untimely departure leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of working with him, and we are all profoundly affected by the loss of such a remarkable individual.
Alex’s journey was one marked by passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of older adults. Over the years, he became a true advocate for the elderly, using his skills as a gifted writer and journalist to bring attention to the critical issues that affect this vulnerable population. He had a unique ability to tell stories that were both impactful and thought-provoking, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges that older adults face, while also celebrating their resilience, dignity, and potential. Through his work, Alex helped reshape public discourse around aging and eldercare, offering new perspectives and solutions for improving quality of life for seniors.
His commitment to this cause was deeply personal. Alex saw his role at CFI not merely as a job, but as a mission. He truly believed that everyone, regardless of age, deserved to live with respect, independence, and access to the highest standards of care. His advocacy extended far beyond the walls of CFI, as he regularly contributed to publications, gave talks, and participated in discussions on aging-related policy issues. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of older adults were heard and their needs addressed, and through his efforts, he helped bring about tangible, positive changes in the field of eldercare.
But beyond his professional accomplishments, Alex was first and foremost a kind, thoughtful, and generous person. His authenticity was one of his defining characteristics, and it was evident in everything he did. Whether he was brainstorming new ideas for a communications strategy, working late to ensure a project was completed to the highest standard, or simply chatting with a colleague over coffee, Alex’s sincerity and warmth were ever-present. He was the type of person who made you feel valued, heard, and understood, no matter how busy or challenging the day was. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, and his genuine care for others was felt by all who knew him.
At the Center for Innovation, Alex was much more than a director—he was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. He brought an infectious enthusiasm to every task, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence and to approach their work with purpose and passion. His collaborative spirit helped foster a culture of openness and creativity within our team, where ideas were encouraged and innovation was the norm. Alex was always quick to support others, to offer guidance, or simply to lend a listening ear. He was the type of leader who led by example, always demonstrating integrity, commitment, and empathy.
Throughout his career, Alex also built a lasting legacy of collaboration with external partners and stakeholders. His vast network and his ability to connect people across different sectors helped to strengthen the work of CFI and expand its reach. He understood that true innovation often came from collective effort, and he worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between organizations, policymakers, and communities. Through his tireless work, Alex was instrumental in bringing together diverse voices to tackle the complex challenges of aging and eldercare.
One of Alex’s most defining traits was his deep sense of purpose. He knew that his work had the power to make a real difference in the lives of older adults, and he never lost sight of that mission, no matter how difficult the path. His focus on advocacy, education, and systemic change drove him to work long hours and navigate complex challenges, but he did so with a passion that inspired everyone around him. He knew that improving eldercare was not a simple task—it was a journey that required persistence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity and justice. And in all of this, Alex never wavered. His determination, perseverance, and belief in the potential for change were unparalleled.
Beyond his work, Alex was also a devoted husband and father. His family meant everything to him, and he spoke often of his wife, Dayna, and their young son, Jonah. Alex’s love for Dayna and his excitement about being a father were evident to all who knew him. Despite the demands of his professional life, he always made time for his family, and he took immense pride in the joys and challenges of fatherhood. His love for his family was a constant source of strength and inspiration, and he often spoke with great affection about his hopes and dreams for Jonah’s future.
As we remember Alex, we also reflect on the indelible mark he left on all of us—his colleagues, his friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. His legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and a relentless drive to improve the world around him. He was a visionary who saw not just what was, but what could be, and he worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Alex was a beacon of light in an often-overlooked area of society, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of advocates, professionals, and caregivers in the field of eldercare.
Alex’s passing is a loss not only for CFI but for the broader community of those who champion the well-being and dignity of older adults. He leaves behind a team that is determined to carry forward his vision, continuing the work he began and honoring his memory through our ongoing commitment to innovation, advocacy, and excellence in eldercare.
Our thoughts are with Alex’s wife, Dayna, their young son, Jonah, and all of his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We know that they have lost a husband, a father, and a friend, and we extend our deepest condolences to them. We also extend our sympathy to all those who had the privilege of working with Alex—his colleagues at CFI, his many collaborators in the field, and all of those who were touched by his work and his life.
Though Alex is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the work he championed, and the inspiration he provided. His commitment to improving the lives of older adults will continue to guide and inspire all of us, and we pledge to honor his memory by carrying forward the mission of the Center for Innovation, which he held so dear.
Rest in peace, Alex. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
