in turn Engler provided plywood pile cushions to contractors in the Northeast from SPS. Whitty describes Engler as “very” loyal and dedicated to causes — even passionate. He adds that Engler doesn’t like the limelight but works tirelessly, and might be the personification of the term. He says Engler’s photos helped illustrate DFI’s early publications. The friendship between Whitty and Engler culminated in Whitty’s being the best man at Engler’s wedding to Theresa Rappaport, now Engler. Joel Moskowitz, Mueser Rutledge Con- sulting Engineers, and a former president of DFI, says Engler was an early and ardent supporter of DFI. Trustees and members could always rely on his enthusiasm, dedication and not-so wonderful jokes, says Moskowitz, who adds that he remembers Annual Meetings when there were only about 100 attendees. Engler was always there during the lean years, helping to sustain the organization. Kirk McIntosh, another long-time DFI member summed up Engler as “friendly, good natured, caring and generous with a sense of family.” His own children see Engler as a grandfather figure and always ask about him. Manufacturers and Suppliers Manny Fine is another DFI founder who served DFI in many roles, including trustee, president, executive director, managing editor of Deep Foundations magazine, and publisher of the DFI Journal. He thinks Engler was an “ardent advocate” of DFI because of its early inclusion of manu- facturers and suppliers as “full members,” who had equal footing with engineers, contractors and educators. He says Engler “quickly became genuinely involved as photographer, chair of the publicity committee and an active member of the DFI Board of Trustees.” During Engler’s tenure on the board, he was instrumental in starting advertising in the membership roster and newsletter, which later became this magazine. Fine says Engler had good ideas and could be counted on to speak his mind. He also recalls his one “clash” with Engler over the name Fulcrum for the DFI publication. Engler did not like it, thinking it too vague, and, after many years, in 2002, the name was changed to Deep Foundations. By then the magazine was up to about 60 pages and was printed in four colors. In retrospect, Fine thinks Engler was right about the title of the DFI magazine. Wide and Varied Interests Herb Engler is a man with protean interests and the energy to pursue them. In addition to photography, he loves fishing, boating, growing vegetables and cooking most of the couple’s meals. He also collects cameras, pocket knives and antique tools. The crowning glory of his “extracurricular activities” is a winter Christmas Village with 144 houses, a railroad, train station and ski slope. The display comprises about 144 sq ft (13.4 sq m). All of this complex miniature construction is put together and disassembled every other year, says Engler. Sadly, Engler thinks technology may phase small businesses, such as his, out of business. As he sees it, there are no more “handshake” deals. There is no loyalty, no trust, he laments, saying “customers will leave for a few cents difference in price.” But no one can say Herb Engler hasn’t had a good run, both as a businessman and as an active and loyal member of DFI. His imagination and curiosity will undoubtedly continue whatever he does. Engler’s Christmas Village takes 80 hours to assemble The crowning glory of his “extracurricular activities” is a winter Christmas Village with 144 houses, a railroad, train station and ski slope. The display comprises about 144 sq ft (13.4 sq m). All of this complex miniature construction is put together and disassembled every other year, says Engler. 62 • DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2017
