RIP: Michael B. Fedenyszen, II - a dedicated friend and colleague.

ISA members throughout the world were stunned to learn of the sudden unexpected death of Michael Fedenyszen. He had been a perennial at the ISA leaders' meeting for many years and had only recently been elected as VP Elect of the Publications Department. He was excited about his new role and indeed the committee were looking forward to his tenure in that challenging position.

Michael Fedenyszen RIP

Michael was always actively engaged as an InTech Editorial Advisory Board member, providing article reviews to the editor and publisher on each issue and indeed he wrote The Final Say column in the March April issue this year.

Michael B. Fedenyszen, II was a senior instrumentation and controls engineer at R.G. Vanderweil Engineers, LLP. He was an active life member of ISA, serving in many leadership roles and receiving numerous awards. He had a 30 years experience in integrating and optimising instrumentation and controls requirements for combined heat and power plants and central utility plants. Further details of his career and accomplishments may be found on the brief biography on the 2017 Water & Waste Symposium site.

The shocked reaction and generous tributes paid by his peers and colleagues pay tribute to his contribution to the world of automation.

"He was a kind and truly gracious friend. He will be sorely missed."

"Truly shocking. Several of us had the pleasure of enjoying a nice Pubs dinner at the last SLM that Michael arranged. For those who attended, it was a blast. (That was on Sunday 8 May 2017, just over 3 weeks ago in Raleigh, NC, USA)"

"Truly a sad day - losing someone who has contributed to all levels of our Society and society itself as well. I had the pleasure of 'working' with Michael for almost 20 years, when he started attending meetings on behalf of Boston Section and then DVP."

"That is truly sad news. Michael was so into Publications and I know that he was so looking forward to his VP-elect role going forward. We have lost another very dedicated ISA leader. I am sure that he will rest in peace."

"Wow! This is truly heart-breaking news. Michael was in great spirits at the SLM and he was truly joyous about his family, especially his grandkids. He was an advisor to so many of us. He will be greatly missed."

"Michael was a real treasure and will be missed. He was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor."

"Sad indeed. RIP, Micheal. Condolences to his family and all who ever worked with him, at ISA and elswhere.."

"I'm so shocked and saddened by this news... Mike was one of a kind, a true gentleman, and a wonderful friend. He will be missed so much!"

"What a great guy, friend, and ISA member. He was a special person and we had a wonderful relationship. Michael was always so nice ... and a pleasure to work with"

Shari Worthington posted a short tribute on facebook which probably encapsulates what all those who knew him feel: "It's a sad day. We lost a friend and colleague, Michael B. Fedenyszen II. Thank you for everything. We will miss you. Godspeed. Your friends at International Society of Automation."

The many tributes paid to him on his facebook page  are a worthy tribute to a good and cheerful friend, colleague and mentor.

May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted and consoled.