W. Randall “Randy” Rawson, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), died Nov. 23. He was 64.
“After a brief period of treatment for a recently diagnosed illness, Randy suddenly passed on Saturday evening,” Kevin J. Hoey, chairman of the board of directors of the ABMA, said in a statement.
During the ABMA’s 2013 Summer Meeting in June, Rawson celebrated 25 years with the ABMA, the last 13 of which he served as president and CEO.
“Randy will be remembered as a skilled salesman and ‘showman,’ relishing in his public engagements, the ABMA’s monthly newsletters, and authored periodicals,” Hoey said. “He did not shy from controversy or contrarian views, but welcomed same as opportunities to define clarity of position and ably advance the ABMA’s mission.
“He was not one to withhold opinion—in fact, if you were within earshot, you were fair game,” Hoey continued. “He loved his politics and any opportunity to banter. He loved his charge. He loved his country. He will be recalled as one who was jovial and gregarious, the consummate ‘wordsmith.’ And for those who had the pleasure of working closely with him—the matter-of-factness, the candid counsel, the exacting guidance, the wisdom and energy—this will all be sorely missed.”
Hoey added: “He loved family. His most satisfying and fondest accounts were in hosting the ABMA Summer Meetings. The networking activities for those attending and the genuine pleasure to witness the family interaction amongst our membership he truly enjoyed. ... He was delighted in watching our young sons and daughters growing and forging lifetime friendships and ushering the next generation of American boiler manufacturers or whatever they may choose to be. He loved introducing the high-school graduates and furthering the scholarship program that he was instrumental in getting off the ground. To many of us, he was a mentor, counselor, trusted confidant, and friend.”
Rawson is survived by his wife, Teresa, and children, Jamie and Zach.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Loudoun Funeral Chapels, 158 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg, Va. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 21371 St. Theresa Lane, Ashburn, Va.
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