In Memoriam
As the editors were finishing their work on this edition of the National Electrical Code Handbook, we learned of the tragic passing of our good friend, H. Brooke Stauffer. Brooke worked in the electrical industry for most of his career. He had spent many years at NEMA, the Smart House Development Venture, worked for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, and most recently, the National Electrical Contractors' Association. Most recently he served as a member of CMP 1 of the National Electrical Code Committee and as a member of the technical committee for NFPA 70E?, Electrical Safety in the Workplace. He previously served as a member of CMP 2, CMP 20, NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection for Existing Dwellings. At the time of his death he was chair of the NFPA Electrical Section.
Brooke cared deeply about the electrical industry. His colleagues always knew that his opinions on the tough issues facing the industry would be well-reasoned and eloquently articulated because of his deep caring and many years of experience. He was the driving force behind the formation of the Inspection Initiative and the Electrical Code Coalition, two industry projects seeking to strengthen the stature of electrical inspectors and promote direct adoption of the NEC.
Brooke was an accomplished writer. He wrote for a number of magazines. He wrote a couple of novels, including a science fiction novel for children. He also wrote a handy pocket travel guide to the Washington, DC area. Most recently, he authored several books on the NEC.
Brooke was always willing to work toward improving the NEC and took on the unenviable task of completely rewriting the National Electrical Code Style Manual. This was a tedious and thankless job. However, the manual is now readable and very user friendly, and because of Brooke's effort, the usability of the NEC has been continually enhanced each revision cycle.
Brooke was candid, but thoughtful. Those of us who attended the 2007 World Safety Conference and Exposition remember his smooth and articulate leadership of the Electrical Section's business meeting and his leadership of the discussion on the 2008 NEC.
Brooke was an accomplished writer in another unique way. In this day of modern email communication, he was known for his handwritten notes and cards. Following the tragedy, several people had stories about an uplifting card that they had received from Brooke. If you had a young child, Brooke would send him or her an autographed copy of his science fiction book.
Brooke was lost along with his fianc?e, Karen Dodds. She was a talented graphic artist who served as president of Dodds Design, a graphic arts company that designed websites and brochures. They were a great couple!
Brooke was a good friend to many in this industry on a professional level and a personal level. His passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of his many friends and colleagues, and the NEC has lost one of its staunchest advocates. He has left an indelible mark on his friends and his industry. We are deeply saddened by his loss.
