The California pool and spa industry was saddened to learn that a long-time proponent of training and education in the state, Don Aston, passed away over the weekend at the age of 85.
Aston was a founding member of the Foundation for Pool & Spa Industry Education, a Sacramento, Calif.-based organization that provides and facilitates training and certification.
Additionally, he was the founder and owner of Chem Quip, a major distributor in the Sacramento area, which he sold to employees in 2006.
From his early days, Aston was a proponent of education and certification for the industry. As a key participant of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Spa & Pool Institute (later the APSP), he helped it establish an infrastructure for providing courses to those seeking to gain APSP's service certification. As such, he encouraged local leaders to become instructors. Several of today's prominent industry instructors credit Aston for detecting their skills and giving them the confidence to embark on that part of their careers.
In 2006, Aston and several other industry professionals started FPSIE. The organization's mission was largely based on the vision of Aston and long-time executive director Michael Orr, said FPSIE Chairman Phil Gelhaus. Aston volunteered his time for more than a year to get the organization incorporated and gaining its non-profit status, Gelhaus added.
He served as FPSIE treasurer until 2012. In that capacity, he helped the organization get through the steep revenue losses experienced during the Great Recession, along with management issues that the group underwent at the time.
"Where do I begin on Don’s role at FPSIE? One word might help: Glue," Gelhaus said.
A memorial service for Aston is scheduled for this Monday, Aug. 12 at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento, Calif.
A full look at Aston's life and contributions will follow in future coverage.
