ABERDEEN, KY.—Robert Edwin Wilson, known as Bob to friends and family, passed away Jan. 8 after a long illness. He was 66.

Born on Aug. 11, 1943, in Whittington, Ill., Wilson was the owner of R.E. Wilson Carpet for over 20 years. He was a member of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) and became the first CFI Certified Master Installer in the state of Kentucky. He served as an ambassador for the organization and wrote articles for The CFI Professional. He was well known in his area for his pride and professionalism and dedication to the finest customer service, noted CFI’s Jane Walker.

“Bob attended every annual CFI convention and brightened the room with his fun-loving spirit and installation stories,” she said. “He was a driving force behind the CFI Kentucky chapter; investing many personal funds, as he would say, ‘to tell the CFI story.’ Even though this meant driving many miles to attend the meetings, he never missed one until he became ill.”

While unable to attend the convention the last two years, Wilson always sent a note to be shared with others. “His main focus,” Walker said, “was always to enlist young installers for the organization who would serve their customers in a proud and professional manner.”

In honor of Wilson, the CFI Kentucky chapter has established an annual $500 scholarship in his name to be awarded to a young installer of less than 25 years of age and less than three years of active installation experience. The scholarship will be awarded as a credit toward CFI certification or training fees, or to be used for lodging and traveling expenses to attend the annual CFI convention. Convention fees are included with the scholarship.

According to Rod Von Busch, chapter president, “Candidates for the scholarship can be submitted by dealers and commercial contractors in the Kentucky area to the local chapter at least two months prior to convention. The selection will be announced one month prior to the convention. It is our intention to honor Bob because of his commitment to CFI and especially, to the Kentucky chapter. He will be greatly missed.”

Wilson is survived by his wife of 37 years, Pam; sons Robert Jr. and Larry; daughter Patti Frederick; six grandchildren; and brother, Larry.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in the name of Robert Wilson to Hospice of Southern Kentucky at 5872 Scottsville Rd., Bowling Green, Ky. 42104.