Morrie Halvorsen, 86, died on October 31.

Halvorsen was the first executive director of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association, serving from 1977 – 1999.

Halvorsen left his job as VP of marketing at ITT Phillips Drill in 1977 to build STAFDA, taking over the fledgling organization with 18 charter members. During his tenure, STAFDA grew to more than 2,300 member companies. (For more on Halvorsen’s career, read the 1999 FIN article “Halvorsen Retires After 23 Years of Building STAFDA”.)

STAFDA is now managed by Halvorsen’s daughter, Georgia Foley, who was appointed when Halvorsen retired on December 31, 1999.

Halvorsen is survived by his wife Patsy and daughter Georgia.

A private family burial was held in Minnesota. A celebration of life will be held November 17 from 3-5 pm at the Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove, WI.

Messages to the family may be sent c/o STAFDA, P.O. Box 44, Elm Grove, WI 53122. Email: info@stafda.org

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the charity of your choice.