IAPHC Announces the International Craftsman of the Year 1998
Christian Kerlick

Christian Kerlick (center) receives the 1998 Craftsman of the Year award from Past Chairman Larry Nelson at the 1998 International Convention in Rochester, New York.

Chris epitomizes the incredible dedication to Craftsmanship which is the chief prerequisite to being accorded the IAPHC's highest honor. He joined the St. Louis Club in 1968. He immediately became involved, serving on various Club committees. He was elected to the post of Second Vice President and made the decision to continue through the chairs, serving as President in 1979 - 1980.

He then went on to be elected Club Governor in his beloved Eighth District in 1984 and moved through the District offices and served as Eighth District President in 1987-1988. He became International Eighth District Governor in 1991 and served with such distinction that he received the coveted Governor of the Year award in 1992.

His home Club of St. Louis awarded him Craftsman of the Year in 1982, and has also recognized him as a Premier Craftsman. He also received Eighth District Craftsman of the Year honors in 1993.

He received the top International membership award in 1970 and duplicated the feat again in 1997. Over the years, he has been in charge of the St. Louis Club's International Printing Week observances as well as the Club's Gallery of Superb Printing. And he has been the editor of the St. Louis Club's bulletin Craftsmen Comments for more than 10 years.

He went on to serve at the International level when he was elected International President-Elect and was subsequently installed as IAPHC Chairman at the Association's 77th annual Convention in Montreal in 1996. He has continued to serve the IAPHC, most recently in the posts of Advisory Chair and CraftNet Committee Chair. He has been instrumental in development of CraftNet as well as the growth of International Gallery participation by St. Louis area firms. Rumor has it that Chris will have some small role in planning the IAPHC's Convention in St. Louis in 1999.

Kerlick started his printing career as a pressman and worked his way up to the position of Chief Operating Officer of Publication Printing in St. Louis. He is very active in his church, and even though reportedly retired still gets involved with the activities of an inner city parish, helping with fund raising and sometimes running the duplicator. Chris and his bride Jeannine had five children. They have withstood personal tragedies and remain a wonderful testament to the power of a strong marriage. It is a fitting capsone to Chris Kerlick's life in Craftsmanship that he be named International Craftsman of the Year 1998.