KENNETH KRATZ, JR.
Honored by Todd Umbenhauer, Souderton, PA
Ken was a dear friend and my mentor in the early years of my real estate career. He took me to my first PAR convention and first PAR business meetings (then quarterlies). With his trademark enthusiasm and positive attitude, Ken faithfully served his local association and ultimately led the North Penn Board of REALTORS® as its President.
Ken lived a life of integrity and was the consummate real estate professional. He valued education for the difference it could make in lives of REALTORS® and the consumers we serve. When an agent joined the Kenneth Kratz Company, it was not a question of if one would earn their GRI designation; it was a question of when one would so do. In fact, there were more GRI designees in KKCO than in the rest of the board combined! Ken led by example in this regard, being one of the very early recipients of the CRB and CCIM designations.
Ken was absolutely devoted to doing the job right and created a culture in his offices in Bucks and Montgomery Counties where the Code of Ethics was not just a piece of paper in a seldom seen file; it was standard operating procedure for every consumer contact. Ken's passion for professionalism no doubt paved the way for my involvement with the Professional Standards Committee.
Ken's commitment to his family is a lasting legacy for a life well-lived. A deeply spiritual man, his faith walk inspired my own spirituality. I am blessed to count myself among the many he taught and inspired.
We welcome you to supplement this tribute. Please fax the completed form to Samantha Neely, Education Specialist at 717-561-8796.
GEORGE V. GARBUTT
Honored by Gail Fusco, Montgomery County Association of REALTORS® (District 9)
George was held in the highest esteem not only within MCAR, but with our neighboring Associations as well as the state. He had a passion for Professional Standards and his wisdom, enthusiasm and dedication to the process was a walking testimonial in terms of education. Virtually every panel member he served with over the span of his career came away with extended knowledge of the process and a deeper respect for the man they referred to as their mentor. George attended the NAR Professional Standards training on several occasions, PAR Professional Standards Committees, Task Forces and educational sessions and conducted countless training seminars on the topic. He would often call the Association office and/or members of the Professional Standards Committee to discuss some of the challenges in an effort to make improvements and advance each individual's understanding of the Code of Ethics and Arbitration process. He was a Mediator-Extraordinaire with an astounding 92% success rate.
George was unexpectedly diagnosed with a dreaded disease, yet throughout the span of his grueling treatment, he continued to participate either from a hospital bed in his home, or with special accommodations made for him in his travels to the PAR meetings or at the Association office. The news of his passing devastated all who knew him, and/or had the great fortune to learn from him. In 2007, the Montgomery County Association of REALTORS created the "George V. Garbutt Award of Integrity" in an effort to pay homage to his legacy as part of their professionalism initiative.
“George Garbutt was a truly wonderful friend and unselfish contributor to his profession. We all spend so much time promoting professionalism in our industry. George was ‘Mr. Professional.’ He did what he could to insure that the Montgomery County Association of REALTORS® (MCAR) was an above board association. His kindness and fun-loving attitude and his willingness to share himself with MCAR and PAR will always be remembered. Salute!”
-Bette McTamney, Norristown, PA
---------------
“I remember meeting George when he was a member of the East Montgomery County Association of REALTORS® and I was a member of the North Penn Board of REALTORS®. We met at a REALTOR® function and I casually asked him his opinion about an issue I was dealing with in a real estate transaction. George took me aside and we talked for the rest of the evening. I left the function and driving home I thought ‘who is this George Garbutt,’ spending the amount of time he did with me, a stranger. I realized an immediate liking to George and my admiration and respect for him will continue forever, even though he was taken from us by a horrible disease.
“I considered George my mentor. He was never too busy to brainstorm or strategize with me regarding my personal life or business challenges. I was honored to serve on committees and panels with him, always learning from these interactions and was just proud to be in his presence. He taught me a few things about mediation, too!
“Many times we talked about our families, his love of animals, his hiking trips to the mountains (versus my love of walking through noisy, busy cities) and about life's challenges. He always put a positive spin on a negative situation, even when he was ill. He even welcomed my phone calls when he was recuperating at home.
“Thank you, George, for being my mentor as well as my friend.”
-Gary L. Cassel, Lansdale, PA
We welcome you to
supplement this tribute. Please fax the completed form to Samantha Neely, Education Specialist at 717-561-8796.
ALFRED "FRED" RUFFOLO
Honored by Janice Smarto, Jeannette, PA (District 8)
Fred was in the real estate business for over 45 years, many of those as an active REALTOR® member. Education was a priority for Fred; he held several designations, was President of the CRB chapter and sat on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania REALTORS® Education Foundation. He held positions at virtually every level of association leadership, including his role as an NAR director. I first met Fred at a District Conference when I noticed that he resembled my recently deceased father. The rest was history as he mentored me all the way up to becoming PAR President in 1999. That was the kind of REALTOR® Fred was; educating, training and helping members to be the best they could be. Let us not forget his wonderful smile that made you feel important and his love for friends and family.
We welcome you to supplement this tribute. Please fax the completed form to Samantha Neely, Education Specialist at 717-561-8796.
MEL BOOHER
Honored by Abe & Wags Wagner - Dongeal, PA (District 6)
Mel’s mantra can be summed up in one word, service! He served the needs of others his entire life. His energy was eagerly given to help out on a multitude of local and state association committees, task forces, and officer positions. He was one of the first Directors to welcome Wags, my husband and me into the PA REALTOR® family.
His last months, he dutifully attended the Governance Task Force (GTF) meetings with his oxygen. Traveling was a challenge and he enjoyed sharing a ride with several Pittsburgh members. Dedicated to his core to the REALTOR® mission, keeping the REALTOR® in the center of the transaction he could always be found lobbying on our behalf.
He loved his family. When he was first sworn in as District 7 VP his daughter was very sick and unable to attend. With the help of PAR staff we were able to scrounge up a camcorder and recorded the moment for him. He was so excited to be able to share the moment with her.
He loved our profession and served to make it better. Mel carried updates concerning REALTOR® issues back to his District and his local Association. He served to educate others in our changing Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. We are very grateful for his dedication and service!
We welcome you to supplement this tribute. Please fax the completed form to Samantha Neely, Education Specialist at 717-561-8796.