Arthur Deshon Moore, the founder of Snorkel and a serving board member of the company, died last week aged 94.
In an obituary, the global powered access equipment major he founded said Moore was a pioneer in the access industry and was known for his drive and determination in a career that “set an extraordinary example and left a lasting impact on the global work-at-height industry”.
His imaginative designs and pursuit for quality helped to shape the industry in its infancy and set standards still followed to present day, Snorkel said, announcing the June 19 passing of its founder.
Moore developed 17 industry-defining models in less than a decade and built the foundation for Snorkel, today among the leading global manufacturers of aerial lifts. He was probably best known for the Snorkel TB-42 telescopic boom, which became a standard in the industry for many years, as well as the introduction of the first ‘big boom’ which reached 38m in height.
Over the years, Moore’s industry contributions have been recognised with honours like the International Awards for Powered Access Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and induction into the American Rental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2017.
Following the acquisition of Snorkel by Don Ahern in 2013, Moore became a Snorkel board member, providing his global insight and product knowledge.
Don Ahern said: “For many years, Art Moore was a mentor to myself and others in the early years of the access rental and dealership business, and he ultimately became a close friend. He will be a great miss to Snorkel and the wider industry, and I send my sincere condolences to Sue and family at this difficult time.”
Moore is survived by his wife, Sue, daughters Melissa and Kristyn, son Arthur Jr., stepdaughter Lourenda and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph, Missouri. A service will be held on Friday, June 28 at 10:00am, followed by a burial in the Memorial Lawn. A Celebration of Life will take place at Snorkel’s Elwood, Kansas facility at Noon on Friday, June 28.
