AEM reported that industry leader Gary MacDonald, a former top executive with MacDon Industries and part of the MacDonald family that owned the company before it was sold to Linamar Corporation, has passed away.

The report stated that, "MacDonald played an instrumental role in the formation of AEM, resulting from the merger of the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA) and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI) in 2001. He then served as the newly-formed AEM’s first leader, serving as co-chair of the organization in 2002. In addition, he was a longtime member and leader on the AEM Board of Directors and the association's Ag Sector Board."

“Gary will always be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, willingness to work to find solutions and as a strong advocate of AEM and its mission,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”