Ted Torok was a friend of yours whether or not you actually knew him, because Ted was a friend of ballooning. As a charter member of the Great Eastern Balloon Association, Ted was influential in the success GEBA enjoyed in its early years. Ted was an officer and hard worker for the association. Ted, together with Jacques Soukup, wrote the by-laws of GEBA. He was a husband, father, grandfather, PAD engineer, certified dog show judge, expert wine maker, and nationally ranked in the Masons.
Ted had definite ideas of what ballooning and balloonists should be like. It wasn’t necessary to believe exactly what he believed to know his motivation was to benefit ballooning. If it was good for |
ballooning, Ted was for it. If it was bad for ballooning he was clear in his objection. Although his time with GEBA was short, he had a profound influence on the character and goals of the club.
Description of the Torok Award:
This award will be presented to a member of GEBA who best exemplifies the true meaning of sportsmanship and has made a positive contribution to the sport of ballooning. Nominations will be accepted in writing from any member and will be selected by the five previous winners of the award. This award will be presented at the annual awards dinner. |