At ESTA's annual dinner on 10 November in Orlando, ESTA's past and current presidents gathered to honour the only Treasurer ESTA has ever had. Glenn Becker, ESTA's first President, told the assembled crowd: "For most of us, life, as we have become accustomed to, is about to end. Our Treasurer for Life is hanging up his Stetson and riding his motorcycle off into the sunset. Frank Stewart will be sorely missed. Frank is the epitome of what this Association stands for, the mutual benefit of its members. No one has volunteered more of his or her time, talents and personal funds than Frank Stewart. No one in ESTA, past or present, has not been touched by Frank's wisdom, and future members will be assured of a firm foundation that was inspired by Frank."
Immediate Past President Mike Wood then presented the 2005 Frank Stewart Volunteer of the Year Award to Rocky Paulson, Eddie Raymond and Bill Sapsis for their work in developing the ETCP rigging certifications. Serving as tri-chairs of the Rigging Skills Working Group, leaders of the Subject Matter Experts, and members of the ETCP Council, Rocky, Eddie and Bill led by example in creating this landmark program for the entertainment industry.
(Lee Baldock)
