Dirk Braak, a farrier for 40 years and an industry leader from Plant City, Fla., passed away Wednesday, April 8. He was 75.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Braak, an American Farrier’s Association certified journeyman, was an influential part of the Florida State Farriers Association as the founding president, says Kevin Mead, a Wesley Chapel, Fla., farrier.

“He was a great man who was passionate about our trade,” Meade says. “His voice and trademark suspenders will live on forever in my eyes.”