Lynn "Buck" Charlson, died in April, 2004.  He was a self-taught inventor, founder of the Char-Lynn company, and a pioneer in the field of hydraulic power.  

After World War II, with the change from military products to a civilian marketplace, there was a scramble for products and services marketable in this new economy. The low profile of the fluid power industry made it obvious that a united front in this highly specialized power transmission area was essential if they and the industry were to grow and prosper in the expanding economy.

Char-Lynn products influenced much of the design of early agricultural and construction machinery. Char-Lynn developed the "Hi-Lo Pac" auxiliary pump for use on the farm.  With these products, the Char-Lynn emblem became a commonplace in the farm market. In addition to Char-Lynn's contributions to the farm industry, Lynn Charlson introduced the hydraulic motor to the fluid power industry in the 1950s.  The new concept Orbit Motor and the Orbitrol power steering systems were developed in the 1950's.

Charlson was one of the thirty-five fluid power manufacturers who, in 1952, decided that an industry association was necessary.  The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) was chartered in 1953.  In 1960, Lynn Charlson became president of NFPA and "the formation of the Fluid Power Society" became a significant project for the
1960s." The push for the formation of the Fluid Power Society came from "the need for educational activities."

Led by Ted Pierce, the Society gained significant government grants, which resulted in "a network of schools that provided effective practical fluid power training, primarily at the two-year community college level, establishing a beachhead for future generations of teachers."

Char-Lynn hosted many plant tours for the fledgling Fluid Power Society chapter in Minneapolis during their formative years. Char-Lynn personnel were active in the chapter. Local technical schools were provided with products, guidance and counsel by the Char-Lynn group while developing their fluid power courses.

Buck followed the IFPS progress closely since he was directly involved with it's creation by the NFPA.  Through the years he made significant donations to launch programs started such as the Accredited Instructor Training, Certification Development, and The Fluid Power Journal.

"There are many attributes that can be given about Buck, but what I saw in him was that he was a great visionary of what was needed in the world and could instill in his 'associates' to make it work.  I feel rewarded to have the opportunity to work with him, for him, and know him for the past 46 years."  Bernie Larson.   

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