COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced that James “Bud” Healy has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Mr. Healy joined the then Northamerican Heating & Airconditioning Wholesalers (NHAW) in 1971 and served as director of education for 38 years. He held a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, and was a prolific writer and a constant resource for HVACR engineering technology throughout the association and the industry. He led the development and growth of education in the association through the Home Study Institute, Counterperson Certification Program, and the authoring of numerous technical courses and texts.

He was made dean of education for HARDI in 2004 and was named HARDI Senior Fellow on June 27, 2009, by resolution of the board of directors.

The HARDI staff was planning a retirement party for Mr. Healy in August and wanted to present him with a memory book of letters from friends and associates. HARDI would still like to prepare the memory book and present it to the family. If you would like to participate, send your letters to the HARDI office (at 3455 Mill Run Drive, Suite 820, Columbus, OH 43026) by August 15.

Mr. Healy is survived by his wife, Margaret; sister, Rose Marie Cleary; children, Mary (Jerry) Smith, Eileen (Douglas) Ryan, Michael (Tracy) Healy and Dennis (Lisa Ewald) Healy; grandchildren, Adam and Sean Smith, Tyler Healy, Graham Ryan and Cadyn Healy; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at the Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1860 Northam Road, Columbus, OH 43221. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, 1373 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212 or to St. Agatha Catholic Church.

Publication date:07/27/2009