It is with deep and profound sadness that Counselor reports Ron Ball, who worked at ASI for more than 40 years -- most recently as its vice president of sales -- passed away on Tuesday, May 15.

The recipient of the Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, Ball was instrumental in helping to grow many suppliers' businesses and was known for, among other things, his legendary dinners and an encyclopedic knowledge of the industry's history.

Counselor will publish a full obituary this week.