During my terms as District I vice president, I have presented three AMA Distinguished Service Awards to deserving AMA members. Each was precipitated by exemplary service by these AMA members for their efforts that enhanced the enjoyment of aeromodeling for multiple clubs, members, and/or SIGs locally and sometimes nationally.
Last month’s column posthumously recognized Billy O’Donnell, whose family accepted this highest award a vice president could give to an AMA member. This column recognizes Irv Searl, the second person from District I to receive the AMA Distinguished Service Award. Following are excerpts from Irv Searl’s biography, written by his daughter, Gayle Tayler, and son, Glenn, for the AMA History Program.
“Irv Searl was a man of many avocations and became quite consumed with whatever hobby took his interest. First and foremost, he enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the sport of aeromodeling. This passion began when he was 5 years old and his first models were constructed from rubber bands and balsa wood.
“In his own words, he described why building and flying model airplanes held his interest throughout his life. ‘It’s exhilarating and a challenge. There’s a mystique for people to see the model plane fly!’
“By his family and friends, he was fondly referred to as ‘Ace.’ Irv Searl was a skilled craftsman who built competition-quality Scale model aircraft. He served on the AMA Scale Contest Board from 1980 until 2011 and was Board Chairman from 1982 to 1986.
“From the start, Irv was involved in competition as early as 1948 in the Control Line Nationals in Illinois and then competing in Scale and Pattern contests throughout New England and on a National level in the Scale Nationals, Masters’ Qualifier and Finals, Top Gun, and the WRAM show. Irv won six significant first- and second-place Scale awards.
“In 2009 Irv received the prestigious AMA District I Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in representing the AMA Scale community as a competitor, contest board member, and chairperson. Irv passed away in July of 2011. In 2012 his family received the AMA Distinguished Service Award for Irv for more than 60 years of advancing the mission of the AMA.
“Irv never sought recognition for his aeromodeling achievements. He often said that his greatest joy and what he considered most important was the people he had the privilege to meet and count among his friends while participating in the sport of aeromodeling.”
Men such as Irv represented ideals and commitments in life that are hard to find. District I is in need of a Scale Contest Board member. Please contact me if you want to serve in this position.
I will continue to recognize members whose volunteer efforts have benefited aeromodeling. If you know of anyone who deserves recognition, contact me with their story of contributions to our sport.[ding]
Irv Searl (L), who was posthumously awarded the AMA Distinguished Service Award in 2012, enjoyed attending the Joe Nall event with his best friends Drew Davenport (C) and Bob Brodeur (R).
Irv Searl with his scale biplanes Jenny JN4 (R) and Aeromaster (C). In the right photo, Irv (C) was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 by Andy Argenio (R) and James Gilliatt (L).
