Tragedy fell upon Indiana and the Ikelite family on Saturday when a concert stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair. Among others, one of our own, Glenn Goodrich was fatally injured while working security at the event.

Glenn's contributions over his past 24 years at Ikelite were significant. He was instrumental in the transition from manual drill presses to CNC mills. As Video Supervisor, he managed the development of our video line. He touched people around the world with his enthusiastic approach to customer service.

My father, Ike, knew Glenn first as a high school kid working at the local filling station. Others at Ikelite knew Glenn first as a schoolmate, a co-worker, or a supervisor. I knew Glenn first as a family friend. I looked forward to hearing about the gigs he'd worked recently, and which bands he may be able to get autographs from. More recently we would brainstorm about product ideas and what he was prototyping for use on my next dive trip.

We all came to know Glenn as a funny guy with a great laugh. A guy who would gladly extend a hand to anyone in need. Regardless of how we met, we all knew Glenn as a friend and a member of the family.

Reports have indicated that Glenn pushed a mother, a child, and possibly others to safety just before his passing. I am not surprised, as I remember the days when my father asked Glenn to look after my safety at concert events. Glenn was that kind of guy. He will be sorely missed.

Glenn Goodrich was one of my very closest friends for over 35 years. He was one of the 5 tragically killed in the State Fair stage collapse. We pumped gas together at the North College Shell when we were 15-16 yrs. old, worked together at my primary employer Ikelite for 25 years, and also together for several years as reserve Police Officers. He was a true "brother" in every sense of the word! It is truly hard to imagine that I will walk by his desk tomorrow and come to the realization that he will never sit there again.

Glenn had a heart the size of a house and was deeply devoted to his family, friends, and employers. He enjoyed working his second job as head of the stage security at many venues including Colts and Pacers games, Verizon concerts, and in this case a State Fair concert. I have no doubt that he died a hero trying to get others off the stage as the freakish wind suddenly collapsed the stage superstructure.

After going to many Bible studies together, Glenn was strengthening his walk with Jesus and I know he is at peace in the Lord's presence. Please pray for Glenn's family and friends as we all go through the grieving process. Glenn, I love you brother and I will miss your trademark laugh!

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50 W 33rd St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 USA
Phone 317.923.4523 Fax 317.924.7988

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