Vernon Trevathan & Jim Lawrence

We lost two more great ISA leaders recently. Vernon Trevathan passed on earlier this month. I have come to know and admire Vernon over the past few years for his tireless work on various PDD (Professional Development Department) projects, especially CAP® (Certified Automation Professional®). I have heard him referred to as the “Father of CAP,” a designation that was well deserved. I always knew that if there was a question about CAP, Vernon was the guy to ask.

I admired Vernon for his grace and style. He was always the consummate professional. Vernon would always have the time to discuss ISA with his fellow leaders. His legacy will live on in ISA, CAP, the Automation Body of Knowledge, and PDD. Those of us who were honored with the opportunity to know and work with Vernon are quite fortunate. I will miss Vernon as will ISA Staff and his fellow leaders. I offer condolences to his family for the loss. Just know that there is a sizable group of friends thinking of Vernon. He will be in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace!

Also this week, I received notice that Jim Lawrence passed away. Jim was a dear friend, mentor, and respected ISA colleague. He was one of the leaders who encouraged and guided me to become an ISA leader. Jim was a former District 6 VP and a very active Life Member. You could always count on Jim to be at leadership meetings and to get involved in helping make ISA the society it is today. I hear that the Wednesday before his death, Jim attended an ISA Section leadership meeting. He even volunteered to visit some educational institutions in Wisconsin to work with students. I will miss you Jim Lawrence. May you rest in peace!

Respectfully,
Jerry Cockrell