The Cutting Edge — December 2003

WMMA Pays Tribute to George Delaney

Let us not be sad. Let us be joyous in having known a wonderful person called George Delaney. To that end, below are a few memories and recollections from those who George touched.

Remembrances

From Dana Baldwin, CSSP, Inc. — When I worked with George on the Fair Board, I personally gained a tremendous amount from his insight, thoughtfulness and charm. He had a warm way of presenting his thoughts which won many people to his point of view. He had great common sense and an abiding sense of purpose which helped all of us on the Fair Board to do a better job. While we were on the WMMA Board of Directors, it was quite obvious that when George spoke, everyone responded to the high quality of his thoughts. Again, his sense of humor and humility helped the Board govern more effectively…

From Chuck Granger, ret. 3M Company - If it hadn't been for George and Ray Vold, I wouldn't have been involved with this Association. Ray was my recruiter and George was the second guy to whom I was introduced. They both then took it upon themselves to sponsor me in the Association. I used George as a sounding board many times as we went through the various stages. I will miss him very much and know that in my life, I just hope and pray I can contribute just a little of what George did in his lifetime.

From Todd Herzog, Accu-Router — I worked for George a total of 10 years (two different times) and knew him for 27 years. He will always be “Mr. D” to me. With his recent passing, I did not lose a boss, I lost a dear friend and colleague… Time etched memories of Mr. D include developing business plans together, major trade shows, running meaningful sales meetings…There also were many personal moments – going to the Notre Dame-Tennessee football game with his friends from Murfreesboro in 1978, organizing a surprise going away party for George when he was transferred from Powermatic in 1980, visiting him and Sheila in their new home in Laguna, CA in the early 80’s… George Delaney was a great family man. He was a man of strong religious convictions. He was an honest, loyal person whom was very easy to talk to and like…

Baldwin Award winners gather at the 1997 WIC

From Doug Kullmar, Powermatic - I had the privilege of working with George for 8 years. I call it a privilege because: He was a rare individual who faced adversity with courage and peace; he was also brave enough to face reality; he continued to seek Joy from every source God gave him - especially traveling with Shelia and his family and going to his grandkids ball games; he communicated with Sheila and they were really a team; he became a man of prayer and was faithful to his Church; he had a sparkle in his eyes and was interested in others to the end. Rather than self-pity, he chose to think of others. He did not hold in what he was thinking and you always knew where he stood. I always admired him in his life and work but my admiration grew beyond words in the way he faced death. What an incredible role model.

From Patrick LaFramboise, IWF — Any of us fortunate to know George will use superlatives - ones you would expect when describing a wonderful person…..class; strength; kind; fair; gentleman. His son Ray summed it up best in his eulogy to his father, “He was a man of integrity." He truly and literally was an example of the phrase -- when he spoke, everyone listened. It was a privilege to be associated with him. There is one other description I would suggest for George Delaney - role model. In every sense and application of the term... family, faith, leader and friend.

From Russ McBroom, Mereen-Johnson Machine Co. - The woodworking machinery industry will miss a great leader with the passing of George. He was an example to me of a leader who was honest and fair with all whom he dealt. I worked with George on the WMMA Board for many years and most recently he and I were members of the IWF Board representing the interests of the WMMA. He has left this life here on earth and will be missed greatly by his friends and most of all by his family. George’s family was very important to him. He spoke of them frequently when we were together. The WMMA has benefited greatly from George’s contributions over the many years.

From Ray Vold, Timesavers, Inc. — I really appreciated the opportunity to work with George on the WMMA and the IWF Board of Directors. In those responsibilities George fully demonstrated his talents and abilities as a true leader who commanded the respect of all. I recall… Don White’s comment upon first meeting George…”George is a classy guy and you will really like him.” Little did I know then that my respect for George would grow and grow. I have many fond memories of George from the golf course to the board room and during travels to Asia and Europe. I have great respect for many of my colleagues in the Woodworking Industry and George was NUMBER 1 on my list. When I was undergoing radiation for prostate cancer earlier this year, George kept me in his prayers. His e-mails were uplifting to me. It seemed he was more concerned with me than his own illness at the time. He truly lived his life to the glory of God.

The Baldwin Award

When George was named the 1997 Ralph B. Baldwin Award Winner, the introduction speech included the following:

George receives the Baldwin Award from Kenny Moffatt at the 1997 WIC

“Those of us who have worked with him know him as a dedicated and hard working leader, eager to serve and not afraid to make tough decisions…As #73, a tackle for the University of Buffalo football team, he helped lead his squad to the prestigious Lambert Cup in 1958…In 1969, he was sent from Buffalo to Tennessee for a temporary assignment to serve as a troubleshooter for Powermatic. He settled there permanently in July of 1970. In his early years with the company, he served as Director of Manufacturing and Director of Marketing. Under his guidance the company’s product line grew and Powermatic prospered. The artisan line of tools soon became a household name for woodworking enthusiasts. In 1986, he was named President of Powermatic.

“He became actively involved in WMMA. His willingness to serve has been unparalleled. After several years on the Board of Directors, he continued to volunteer his time and expertise as an officer, carrying out the vital roles of Treasurer, Vice President, and eventually President, a position he held from 1992-1994.

“His generosity and leadership also extend beyond the WMMA. His commitment to building a better industry is evident through his service on the IWF Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee of Pittsburg State University.

“Our winner today exemplifies all of the characteristics that the Baldwin Award represents.”

It is obvious that the woodworking equipment industry was an important part in George’s life. But, George was much more than just his role in this industry. George always found time for his family, his community, and his church. The love of his life, Sheila, has asked that we keep her and her family in our prayers. If you do not have her address, it is 2112 Londonberry Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37129; telephone is (615) 893-4856. Memorials in memory of George may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School (1601 N. Tennessee Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37130) or Hospice of Murfreesboro (726 S. Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130). We all will miss him, but let’s never forget him; let’s each remember him in our own special way.