When a company experiences the longevity that Fairbanks has enjoyed, loss becomes familiar, though it never becomes less sorrowful. Fairbanks experienced powerful loss on February 21st with the passing of its owner and CEO F. A.“Bill” Norden, coupled by the death of his beloved wife of 56 years, Jill, on February 19th.

Bill Norden achieved a lifelong dream in 1988 when he purchased Fairbanks Scales from Colt Industries. Fairbanks Scales had operated as a division of Colt since the early 1960s. Bill had a vision of a different Fairbanks — one that stood independently on its long and rich legacy. It was a vision that mirrored his own philosophy; never remain needlessly beholden to anyone or anything and eschew convention when it is a hindrance to getting things done well and done right.

In the years following Bill’s acquisition, that philosophy of business and life was a foundation for the newly independent Fairbanks Scales. This wasn’t Bill’s “first rodeo,” as Midwesterners say. His business acumen and finesse soon became clear as he brought to bear his previous years of experience in corporate acquisition where he would improve the dilapidated, disorganized and inefficient into well-oiled, well-tuned machines.

Unafraid to make tough decisions, Bill uprooted Fairbanks’ corporate environment and moved it 1500 miles — from St. Johnsbury, Vermont, to Kansas City, Missouri. He also overhauled Fairbanks’ entire manufacturing process. Technology and new ideas were embraced. Economic troubles were met with proactive endeavors. Bill was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and dig into problems with his team. All the while, Bill’s thoughtfulness and considerate manner were evident. Valentine’s roses and honey-glazed holiday hams were staple gestures in Bill’s “people first” attitude.

Even the families of employees felt the kindness of Bill Norden. Upon learning that Credit Manager Mike Smith’s daughter Amy was a cellist, Bill and Jill arranged a lunch with Mike and Amy. After the meal, Mike went back to work, and Amy was escorted by Bill and Jill to see Yo-Yo Ma perform with the Kansas City Symphony. After the performance, as a long-standing supporter of the KC Symphony, Bill and Jill took Amy to meet Yo-Yo Ma in person.

This kindness was always thinly masked by a gruff and bluff exterior. Saying “good morning” to Bill would always be met with feigned affront that anyone would dare call anything about morning “good.” It was also said that “if Bill didn’t fire you, he didn’t like you.” Some lucky Fairbanks employees were “fired” at least once a week for several years.

For all his good-natured ribbing and mischievous demeanor, Bill was the first to provide help and support to anyone at any time no matter the personal cost. It was this atmosphere of genuine concern and caring that made the Fairbanks team feel like a family among people who anywhere else would be simply coworkers. Fairbanks was led by more than just an ordinary business executive, it was led by a man who was a father to all of us in various ways.

Bill was not a man to give or accept simple praise. Instead, he preferred gestures that were more subtle and original. He might never say directly that someone had done a good job, but he always made it clear that he noticed efforts made. He wouldn’t pretend a mistake was anything but a mistake, but he always chose encouragement over chastisement. Whatever acerbic manner he may have portrayed through his jokes, Bill was never distant or unwilling to help directly and immediately.

In memorium, Bill Norden is found to have achieved much in the scope of human aspiration — a beloved husband, an adored father, a leader of business, a father figure to his employees, an avid supporter of the arts and charitable organizations, and an inspiration to all who would seek to impact lives for the better. His arrival at Fairbanks was a defining moment for the dwindling Fairbanks legacy — a legacy that owes its continued vitality to him as much as any founder.