RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2025
32
I
n an industry of tens of thousands of appliance professionals, a few
stand out for their extraordinary dedication and generosity. One of
those individuals was Ed Besalke – a passionate advocate for
appliance education, owner of B&B Appliance Service, and a long-time
contributor to major trade associations.
Most people in the industry are unaware that an organization exists
to create, support, and sustain appliance training programs in public
schools across America. That organization is Residential & Commercial
Appliance Technology (RCAT), found at www.skillsusa-RCAT.com.
Since 2010, Ed and his wife Brenda have dedicated themselves to
this cause in numerous ways. Ed served on the national RCAT Industry
Advisory Council, acted as a judge, and took on the role of chief
electrician during SkillsUSA competitions – events where students from
high school and adult programs demonstrate their technical expertise
in appliance repair and installation.
Through SkillsUSA.org, the RCAT organization hosts regional, state,
and national competitions where students showcase the skills they've
learned. Among the ten judged events, one stands out: the Brazing and
Lokring station. Here, competitors use live torches to demonstrate their
mastery of these precision techniques. For fifteen years, Ed served as
chief judge at this station – mentoring competitors, ensuring their
safety, and assessing their craftsmanship with care and fairness.
It's no wonder he became affectionately known as the "Fire Chief of
RCAT." Hence, the title of this article.
Ed passed away on October 10, 2025, leaving behind an inspiring
legacy of service and dedication. For fifteen years, he and Brenda put
their business in the capable hands of their team and traveled hundreds
of miles each year – at their own expense – to attend and support the
national RCAT competitions. They covered travel, lodging, meals, and
even donated prizes, all in the spirit of giving back to the industry that
had given them so much.
Their generosity extended beyond RCAT. Ed and Brenda were
devoted members of multiple trade organizations, including the
Professional Service Association (PSA) (psaworld.org), the United
Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) (unitedservicers.com), and the
Marcone Servicers Association (MSA) (msaworld.com). At every
convention, they were a warm, supportive presence – respected,
admired, and loved by all.
Ed's influence touched countless lives – family, friends, colleagues,
students, and customers alike. His passion, dedication, humor, and
generosity will be remembered by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the
Arnold Funeral Home to support the RCAT/PSA Ed Besalke Travel
Scholarship Fund, continuing Ed's lifelong commitment to helping
others succeed. (www.arnoldfh.com/guestbook/charles-besalke)
On behalf of the National RCAT Industry Advisory Council, we
express our heartfelt gratitude and honor your
memory, Ed.
Fly with the angels, Fire Chief.
ED BESALKE:
PASSING THE TORCH OF
INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION
Mark Pollitz, National Chairman
Refrigeration & Commercial Appliance Technology
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