Les Walton
Les Walton is an Army vet, but his life’s work didn’t begin until he became a utility groundman at LCEC 45 years ago. He started at the bottom and was part of the first LCEC apprentice program. In the early years, Les was one of the 12 men known as the bare hand crew. He gave his all to the company and its customers and has been known to put in 109 hours of overtime during a two-week period. Les also had to perform a hurt man rescue on a fellow worker that had been burnt and knocked unconscious. He did what he had to do selflessly to save his co-worker and bring him down to make a full recovery. Although Les will miss life on the line, he is ready to watch his grandson play football for Arizona and spend time with his wife of 31 years. Les says, “There was plenty a night when supper was on the table only to find I wasn’t going to make it home until morning.” Les is a leader, teacher, coach, motivator, and an inspiration to all lineman.
2015 Hall of Fame
Aaron Howell
Aaron Howell became a lineman in 1989 and has been in the industry for over 30 years. Aaron wanted to further his education by pursuing a business degree at Boise State College, it was during this time that it was suggested to Aaron and another student they start a private line school. Aaron and his two partners took the leap of faith and established Northwest Lineman College, which opened in 1993. The first class consisted of 23 students. Since then, the college has grown and other campus locations are now open. Aaron has also written two computer-based programs for line workers at Pacific Power and Light. Northwest Lineman College is growing leaps and bounds and so are Aaron’s accomplishments.
Ed Budy
Ed has 50 years of experience in the line industry. He joined the Marine Corp in 1958 and served four years. In 1963 Ed became a groundman, which lead to lineman apprenticeship in 1964 and then became a journey lineman in 1967. In 1999 he became a Lead Lone Lineman, the highest position to hold in T&D. Ed retired in 2002 but his pride and passion for the craft lead him to teaching at the Metropolitan Community College Lineman Program. Even at age 75 Ed can out squat any student on the pole. In Ed’s own words, "I love teaching. I can still climb. Now off your ass, on your feet, out of the shade and into the heat.”
Gary "Gene" Myers
Gary has been in the industry for years, the first four years as a digger truck driver, groundman, and an apprentice. The next few years he worked his way up as a journeyman lineman and then to lead lineman. In 2009, he received the A.C. Burrows award for Outstanding service to his cooperatives and communities where he served. Gary retired in 2009 but says he still misses line work today and speaks of it often.
Terry J. Killday
Terry began his career in the line industry in 1959 and is still active today. Terry has a family tradition in the industry with over 500 years of service between the family including his father and more than 30 family members that are brothers, cousins, and nephews. Terry has definitely made his own mark in this industry. He has been a journey lineman for approximately 55 years and has served as line foreman and superintendent for more than half of that time. Everyone that knows Terry has the same thing to say about him; “He has been a premium example of professional and dedicated work ethic, a valued colleague, and a great friend to have.”
