The Pella Community School District is honoring the life of a man largely responsible for helping launch the Career Academy of Pella and its renowned welding program.

A special plaque dedicated to David Landon was installed just outside of the welding labs Friday afternoon, with family, friends, and colleagues of the late Landon in attendance for the ceremony led by Pella High School Principal Adam Beckel (watch below).

Director of K-12 Instruction with the Pella School District Lowell Ernst worked closely with Dave to help lay the foundation for welding programs and others that are now sending students directly into the workforce from high school with certification and unique, hands-on opportunities.

Dave’s wife Kay installed the memorial after speeches during the brief ceremony, and says her husband believed in giving opportunities to students who may not have been suited for a four-year college degree but could make an impact on the local workforce and their own lives.

David Landon died suddenly on November 15th, 2021 at 63 years old. He worked for Vermeer for 25 years and most recently as their Manager of Welding Engineering, having also served on the board of directors for the American Welding Society from 2007-2017 and appointed the President of the International Institute of Welding for 2020-23 prior to his passing.

Hear more about David Landon’s legacy on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.