It is with a heavy heart that we inform NESPA members that Bob Baron, NESPA Past President, passed away last month. Bob was a friend, mentor and teacher to so many within the industry. He will be truly missed.

In 1961, Bob started working at his father's pool business. He struck out on his own to launch Baron Pool Service in 1976. He began his industry volunteer service at the Metro Chapter and eventually served as that Chapter's President. In addition to his two-terms as NESPA President (1992-93 and 2003-04), Bob was an early champion for the development of industry education and was one of NESPA's longest serving instructors. On the national-level, Bob was a chairman of the APSP Service Council and worked with the council for nine years.

Throughout his years of service to NESPA, Bob served on nearly every committee and Task Force lending his knowledge and expertise to help make NESPA the exemplary association it is today.

As a testament to his many years of volunteer service to our industry and its trade associations, Bob has been awarded his 60-year member pin from NESPA's Quarter Century Club.