Andrew Aufiero Remembered

Andrew Aufiero

August 24, 1954 – July 29, 2007

CFI has lost another of our outstanding leaders; Andrew Aufiero lived CFI! He was a true flooring craftsman. He knew his trade and shared it gladly with others. Andrew was a little more than frustrated when installers would not do the work correctly and customer satisfaction meant nothing to them.

In 1993 on a sunny Saturday afternoon, Andrew called the CFI office and Jim Walker just happened to pick up the telephone. They talked for over two hours about what else — the state of flooring installation! Andrew was not one to take his membership lightly and before he became involved with CFI, he was going to be certain it was an organization that was as he stated, “going somewhere.” Jim “sold” him and he registered immediately and at the first Pittsburgh CFI Certification, he arrived with his wife Cynthia and left as Master Installer #220 and she with #680.

There was no doubt that this loving and caring couple would someday play a major role with CFI. They returned home to New Jersey and completely changed the way they looked at carpet installation and never looked back. They would tell of how installers and dealers made fun of their new-found membership and yet, went on to become the driving force behind the largest certification in the nation and at one time, proclaiming more certified installers in their area than any in the USA. They organized the New Jersey CFI Chapter and conducted more installation seminars than one can count. They were ever so willing to share with anyone who seriously wanted to improve their skills, knowledge or learn to conduct a more profitable business.

He was the proudest when he made a speech following his election as CFI President in 2004. It was so obvious that the words came from the heart. He served two years in this capacity and definitely made a difference.

Andrew’s illness became very advanced during the final months of 2006 and continued to accelerate during this year. It’s hard to believe that we will never again hear, “Hey, CFI!” said the Andrew “way.”

He was awaiting a liver transplant at the time of his death and had been to the hospital just a few days earlier in anticipation of receiving one, but that did not happen. He was sent home and seemed to be somewhat better. His attitude was the best. However, recently it all changed when he returned to the hospital in pain and passed away, surrounded by family, July 28, 2007.

He leaves behind his wife, Cynthia; two daughters, Anneliese Aufiero, Autumn Joy and her husband Craig Pittelli; son William Powell; and two granddaughters, Savannah and Isabella. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Flanly; three brothers — Joseph, Raymond, Patrick, and their families; and countless friends.

Andrew was remembered in a celebration of his life party in Columbus, NJ on Saturday, August 4th, 2007. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI).

Doug Amundson Remembered

Doug Amundson

April 6, 1947 - July 3, 2007

CFI’s beloved Doug Amundson lost his battle with a terrible illness on July 3, 2007 at the Brookings, SD hospital. The past years were difficult for Doug and his family and during the past few months, he had suffered even more. Douglas G. Amundson was born April 6, 1947 in Eau Claire, WI, the son of Orville and Freda Amundson.

He was united in marriage to Jeri Haaseth on September 7, 1969 in Brookings. They lived in Highland, IN from 1969 to 1974 when they moved to Brookings and Doug began a business partnership with his father-in-law, Vergil Haaseth at Carpetland. He installed carpet and later owned Commercial Flooring in Sioux Falls, SD, until 2000 when he retired early due to his failing health.

In 1989, several years before CFI became a national organization, Doug attended a seminar sponsored by the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA), conducted by Jim Walker, Chairman of the FCICA Installation Committee. Doug arrived searching for ideas to enhance the marketing of his commercial installation workroom located in Sioux Falls, SD.

At Jim’s suggestion, he organized a FCICA Installation Chapter in Sioux Falls by following the guidelines of the FCICA Kansas City, MO, Chapter. Under his leadership, the Sioux Falls Chapter was the second installation group to form. He served his area faithfully for many years as the President, sharing educational information and training. In 1993, the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) was established by a group of 11 individuals.

He traveled extensively during the first three years to establish the CFI Certification Program. At that time, the CFI team left home on Friday with the certification test on Saturday that concluded at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Doug, as well as others, sometimes missed flights and did not arrive home in time for work on Monday morning, but never gave up on the goal to increase the awareness of professional flooring installers. He definitely left his mark on the trade he so loved.

Beginning in 2001, Doug’s presence was not as visible. His medical condition changed drastically.

Doug was one who sincerely believed that CFI could make a difference. Because of his dedication and work ethic, it has. Doug touched many lives and his legacy will remain forever in the hearts of his friends as one who truly made a difference with his life. Doug also enjoyed hunting, golf, playing cards and games as well as relaxing at the lake and spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri; their two daughters, Niki Jane and her fiancé Brad Hoese, and Kelli Jo; his mother, Freda Fuerst and her husband, Jim; two brothers — Ronald and his wife Bev, and Donald and his wife Laura; three sisters — Diane Buckholtz and her husband Wayne, Donna Amundson, and Rene Brooks and her husband; and extended family and friends.

A Memory Book is online at www.rudesfuneralhome.com to express your condolences, memories and appreciation of Doug’s life.