Ed
Kuska's Retirement Party from Pyronics October 30, 2000 
I wanted to begin this slide show of Ed Kuska's retirement party at
Pyronics with some smiling faces. The link picture was taken of Ed at
the Furnace North America Trade Show held in Orlando FL in 2000. Ed is
happy and smiling here. Later on in the slide show you will see a
different Ed. As a matter of fact, except for Linda who always had
a smile on her face ( I believe it was something in the water she
drank), very few people at the party were very happy. Ed was a good boss
and friend, and most of us regretted that he was leaving. I believe Ed
felt he had more to contribute to the company, but like Reg and a others
before him, Ed found out that when responsibilities and jobs you
feel you could do are taken away, there is nothing more to
do but leave. I believe there is an old saying "You can't fight city
hall" ask Tom if this sounds familiar. I completely understand
what Ed was feeling. Speaking of Tom. You might remember a few louder
than normal discussions the two of us had over nothing. Well we
came to an understanding one long night, over a large bottle of
Jack, in a hotel room in Indianapolis. We were there for a Heat Treat Show, where we were representing Pyronics.
That night and into the morning we determined that we had better learn to
get along or we may not be with Pyronics long. Funny how about 5 years
later, the way things worked out. Even today I count Tom as one of
my closer friends, although we only get together now by e-mail.. And Now
Back to the Show. You can't see it here but there were tears
in Ed's eyes as he went out the door that day. A lot of the
retired over the hill gang showed up. Herb came
and as usual he checked the wind direction by lifting a finger
to the wind. You see Herb was a combustion man and they always want to
know which way the wind is blowing. I am told they don't want to
get smoke in their eyes. Most of the front office people are here. Tom,
Nick, Dan are shown doing their usual, sitting around and smiling. Then
we see George, as usual sitting in front of the engineering office
computer, surfing the internet. Jim on the phone making a buy for
something, we didn't know what and didn't want to know. As you can see
there is even a picture of Jan here, even though it's only her back
side. I would like to say more about that but what can I say and not get
into trouble. I even caught
Chris filling in for Linda while Linda was on one of her many breaks.
Sorry Don but I couldn't find you to take your picture, but that's not
unusual. I would like to say more about the rest of you, but there are
so many of you and so little space in which to express my true
thoughts.. I don't miss the hour drive I had each morning and evening
and I480 especially in the winter , but I do miss the good times and
relationships I had with all of you and the many friends I made in the
combustion industry during my stay with Pyronics.