Barney Besal
Grant Mogford, CFPS, CESI, CECS
Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
November 28, 1959 - September 15, 2017
It brings us great sadness to share the passing Bernard Besal. To say that he'll be missed is an understatement. His journey in this life crossed the paths of many and touched the lives of an uncountable number of people. We mourn the loss of a leader in our industry and a good man.
A dear friend of Barney's stated, "a gentleman is someone who puts the comfort of others before himself," and by this definition Barney was truly a gentleman.
Bernard was a founding member of the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association. He served as President and on multiple committees. He has been instrumental in bringing our Association to higher levels of credibility and recognition through his work on the Board of Directors, as a Chairman of the ANSI Standards Development Committee and his work with the NFPA 96 Standards Technical Committee. Barney was influential in the development of the Certified Service Agent program for Gaylord Manufacturing, which has benefited so many around the world.
Barney has left behind a family that loved him dearly, a group of friends that will be at a loss without him and an industry that will likely never again see a man of such character, devotion, and passion.
Barney always left more than he took. This attribute in him contributed more to IKECA than any single influence, and what made him so memorable to us. His dedication and generosity will be painfully missed.
So many of us have benefited from the tireless efforts of this true leader, including countless food service facility owners and operators; his life's work has saved lives. Because of his giving of himself and his willingness to elevate the industry, there is no way to know how many people have benefited from his work.
Bernard Besal reflected the character, described by Theodore Roosevelt, as a man who contended in the arena of life. Undoubtedly, there were times where he was bloodied and bruised, but he contended. Barney not only contended, but he was a victor in the life he lived.
In the measure of things that matter, the love he has shown and the good he has done, will be memorialized in the hearts of those he has left behind.
Barney, we will miss you.
-Contributed
100 N. 20th Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Email: i[email protected]
Phone: 215-320-3876
Fax: 215-564-2175
Corporate Sales Mgr.-?? Kitchen Fire Systems
7 年He befriended me and my husband 17 years ago when we got into the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry. We was a true mentor who shared openly. I'm so grateful for all that I learned from him & his teachings at IKECA. He passionately & tirelessly gave his time volunteering to improve our Industry for a safer tomorrow. Such a great loss. Heaven gained a great soul.
Fire Safety Expert & Senior Consultant at Flue Steam, Inc.
7 年Barney did things for Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety industry that affect everyone of us today and will for years to come. His legacy is that he improved our industry, improved life safety and has improved all of our livelihoods, whether you knew him or not, he has affected your life! I am glad I knew him, I am glad I learned from him. I will miss him.
Business Owner at Official Facility Inspections
7 年He will be greatly missed. The Fire Protection Industry lost an icon and the community at large grieves the passing of a great man. He helped me many times over the last 25 years or so, going above & beyond each time I needed assistance. An expert in his field and a great communicator. Gone way too soon!
Dedicated, passionate, & persistent!
7 年A great role model I personally look up to as an industry leader! I'm thankful to have the privilege to sit in on his Gaylord Seminars and at IKECA seminars and learn! Rest In Piece.