HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association for the first time in history, presented the Distinguished Service Life Award to Hugh A. ‘Bud’ Rich Jr. of Richgas Inc., Kane.

Distinguished Service Life Award is for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Association or to the propane industry and grants the recipient lifetime membership in the Association.

Based on the limited records of the association, Rich was elected to the board of directors in 1968 and stepped down in June of 2019, serving for 51 consecutive years. He is a past president and was the first president to serve a two-year term, from 1971-73.

“It was my honor and privilege to nominate and present this award to Bud Rich Jr. He is most deserving to be the first recipient of this prestigious award,’ said Harold Sweet, PAPGA president. “The board of directors and members unanimously voted to rename the award the Hugh A. ‘Bud’ Rich Jr. Distinguished Service Life through a bylaw change.”

Rich received an engraved hand blown blue flame glass award and a personalized wooden bobtail.

A committee comprised of active past presidents and the president determine who warrants such an award. No more than one such award shall be given in any association year and it shall not be required that an award be given annually.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania.

The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.