Ed Besalke: Passing the Torch of Industry and Education
In an industry of tens of thousands of appliance professionals, a few stand out for their extraordinary dedication and generosity. One of those individuals was Ed Besalke, a passionate advocate for appliance education, owner of B&B Appliance Service, and a long-time contributor to major trade associations.
Most people in the industry are unaware that an organization exists to create, support, and sustain appliance training programs in public schools across America. That organization is Residential & Commercial Appliance Technology (RCAT), found at www.skillsusa-RCAT.com.
Since 2010, Ed and his wife Brenda have dedicated themselves to this cause in numerous ways. Ed served on the national RCAT Industry Advisory Council, acted as a judge, and took on the role of Chief Electrician during SkillsUSA competitions, events where students from high school and adult programs demonstrate their technical expertise in appliance repair and installation.
Through SkillsUSA.org, the RCAT organization hosts regional, state, and national competitions where students showcase the skills they’ve learned. Among the ten judged events, one stands out: the Brazing and Lokring station. Here, competitors use live torches to demonstrate their mastery of these precision techniques. For fifteen years, Ed served as Chief Judge at this station; mentoring competitors, ensuring their safety, and assessing their craftsmanship with care and fairness.
It’s no wonder he became affectionately known as the “Fire Chief of RCAT.” Hence, the title of this article.
Ed passed away on October 10, 2025, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of service and dedication. For fifteen years, he and Brenda put their business in the capable hands of their team and traveled hundreds of miles each year, at their own expense, to attend and support the national RCAT competitions. They covered travel, lodging, meals, and even donated prizes, all in the spirit of giving back to the industry that had given them so much.
Their generosity extended beyond RCAT. Ed and Brenda were devoted members of multiple trade organizations, including the Professional Service Association (PSA), the United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA), and the Marcone Servicers Association (MSA). At every convention, they were a warm, supportive presence - respected, admired, and loved by all.
Ed’s influence touched countless lives - family, friends, colleagues, students, and customers alike. His passion, dedication, humor, and generosity will be remembered by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arnold Funeral Home to support the RCAT/PSA Ed Besalke Travel Scholarship Fund, continuing Ed’s lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.
On behalf of the National RCAT Industry Advisory Council and PSA, we express our heartfelt gratitude and honor your memory, Ed.
