It has come to our attention that Michael Worden, president and owner of A.C. Propeller Service, Inc in Seattle WA, passed away recently of health complications.

Having personally visited Michael on two occasions at his shop and spending a good bit of time with him at various WAPA and manufacturer’s meetings, Michael was a soft spoken, humble, and hardworking man. Quick to laugh in combination with an unusually approachable manner, he was certainly a salt of the earth person. Professionally and away from business.

Over the years, I found myself very drawn to his subtle and nuanced humor combined with his resolve to live a quieter life of hard work and simple pleasures.

Now, upon hearing of his passing, I cannot help but reflect back not only upon all the times shared, but that he lived as he set out to live. Simply, honestly, and with an under spoken determination and commitment. Finding a lightness in even the heaviest of circumstances.

Our industry is a better place because of Michael and his place in it.

So often, as we reflect on our propeller world, it is the easiest and most natural thing to see the big picture. And to perhaps miss or overlook the individual brush strokes that make up the palette.

But then the call comes.

And that particular brush stroke is now no longer there. Being no longer there, its absence is strangely magnified.

And now, the picture just isn’t the same.

From the WAPA board and a whole industry, your brush stroke will be missed Michael. Thank you for quietly adding to our portrait.

And may your colors add a whole new hue to that which is to come.