RICHMOND, VA, Nov. 20, 2009 -- It is with a profound sense of sadness that Infilco Degremont announces the loss of Mr. Vernon D. Lucy III.
Vernon served as President of Infilco Degremont Inc. and had held that position for the past 11 years. Vernon was an engineering graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Following graduation he was in the US Army and served in Viet Nam. Vernon joined the Westinghouse Company in 1967 in their industrial field sales division. He remained with Westinghouse until the subsequent purchase of their water business by Degremont in 1974.
From his first assignment with Infilco Degremont as a Senior Application Engineer, he rose through the positions of Manager, Application Engineering; Manager, Marketing Operations, and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing on his way to being named President of the company in 1998.
"Our industry has lost a great champion and a dear friend. Vernon was WWEMA's Member of the Year in 2003 and served on its Board for six years. He was the quintessential diplomat; a force that brought many disparate interests together in the hopes of advancing the industry, in which he passionately served. He touched many lives and left a permanent mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him." -- Dawn Kristof Champney, President, WWEMAIn addition to Vernon's long and distinguished career at Infilco Degremont, he was recognized globally as a water industry leader. Vernon's contacts and influence in the industry are immeasurable. He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Water Works Association, where he once chaired the Manufacturers and Associates Council. Vernon was also an active member of the Water Environment Federation, WWEMA, WateReuse, the Clean Water Alliance, and numerous other industry associations. Closest to his heart was his affiliation with Water For People. Vernon gave his time and direct personal support to every effort of Water For People.
Beyond the long list of positions held and his many professional accomplishments, Vernon Lucy was a special man. All those that have had the opportunity to meet and know Vernon, know that he was a man of great grace and spirit. We will miss him terribly as our colleague and a true friend.
Dick Champion, chair of the Clean Water America Alliance and director of the Independence, Mo., Water Department, said the following about Vernon Lucy's passing: "Vernon was a great friend and icon to the clean water community and shared a vision with us that research and innovation needs to continue to ensure clean and safe water for future generations."
Ken Kirk, executive director of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), made the following comments about Vernon Lucy: "Vernon Lucy was a true and valued friend of the clean water community. He made significant contributions to the clean water sector as one of NACWA's affiliate members and always brought new ideas and technological solutions to help us address 21st century clean water challenges. We will greatly miss him and his commitment to clean water."
Donations to Water for People can be made in Vernon's memory (www.waterforpeople.org).
About Infilco Degremont Inc.
Infilco Degremont Inc. is the equipment subsidiary of Degrémont, the water treatment specialist within SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT. Active in over 70 countries with nearly 4,600 employees, Degrémont achieved sales of EUR 1,014 million in 2008.
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