Payments industry stalwart Kenneth T. Elderts passed away Aug. 6, 2016. The sales management executive touched many lives and left an impressive legacy in his industry and community. His career path demonstrated a consistent ability to anticipate technology trends and help emerging technologies achieve mainstream adoption. He led sales teams at eFund Corp., CyberCash, Lipman USA, Verifone Inc. and, most recently, at AnywhereCommerce, a global payment technology provider where he served as Vice President, ISO Channel.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague and friend Ken Elderts, VP Sales at AnywhereCommerce," said Mitchell Cobrin, co-founder and Chief Catalyst at AnywhereCommerce. "Ken was a respected industry veteran who will be greatly missed by anyone who had the chance to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time."
Among his many accomplishments, Elderts took pride in his contributions as co-founder and board member of the Western States Acquirers Association, where he served as Vice President (2004 to 2006) and President (2007 to 2009). More than 4,000 attendees attended the two-day conference in 2015, which has grown year over year since its inception in 2003. "I was extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of both the board and advisory members that made this show a success," Elderts stated on LinkedIn.
While preparing for the September 2016 conference, WSAA board members remembered Elderts' playful and irrepressible presence.
"He was a great industry colleague, WSAA board member and, most of all, our friend," said Linda Horwath, Vice President, Manager-EMV and Emerging Technologies at JCB International Credit Card Co. Ltd. "Everyone on the WSAA team carries a heavy heart from the news. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Xavier Ayala, Managing Partner at oneSource Business Advisors LLC and WSAA President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The industry will greatly miss him, especially his friends who will always remember his valuable advice and counsel. He is our 'ohana' ‒ 'family' in Hawaiian, something near and dear to Ken ‒ as well."
Ayala added that Elderts was a natural leader who was widely respected, not only for his experience and knowledge, but also for his special ability to give his undivided attention to everyone who came to him for advice and counsel, both in the industry and in the ballpark where he coached softball.
"He provided sound leadership during times of challenge and prosperity," Ayala said. "We have lost a good friend and mentor who will never be forgotten. He touched everyone in our industry in a very positive way, and his presence will be felt and remembered always."
Services were held Aug. 13, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific time at The Movement Church, 1609 Capalina Rd., San Marcos, Calif. Burial service followed at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, Calif. In keeping with Elderts' Hawaiian heritage and Aloha spirit, casual attire was encouraged. 
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