2015 Year in Review: Deaths

Here's a list of those from the rubber industry who passed away in 2015:

Albert Davis, the first deputy director of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers.

Leon R. Brodeur, 87, former president and vice chairman of Firestone.

Francois Michelin, 88, for 47 years head of the company that bears his family's name.

Kurt S. Nygaard, 60, chief sales officer of Harwick Standard Distribution Corp. and former treasurer of the ACS Rubber Division.

Roger Smith, 75, longtime president and chairman of Pawling Corp.

Michael L. Burkholder, 67, Blair Rubber Co. sales and commercial manager.

Charles R. “Bob” Samples, 84, founder of Akron Rubber Development Laboratory Inc. and Polymerics Inc.

Paul Glasgow, 51, technical manager of Rogitex International Inc. and assistant treasurer of the ACS Rubber Division.

Roger Guillemette, 81, founder of Guill Tool & Engineering Co.

Eberhard A. Meinecke, 81, professor of polymer science at the University of Akron for 31 years.

John Sherwood, president of Tristani Rubber Industries Inc.

Tyler L. Smith, 49, a field service engineer for Steelastic Co. L.L.C.

Edward L. Bittle, 80, president and owner of Seal Master Corp. and Elbex Corp., and 2010 winner of the Rubber & Plastics News Executive of the Year award.

Jeanie Strader, 56, production worker at Goodyear's plant in Danville, Va, who died of injuries incurred at the factory.

Audrey Masterson, retired editorial coordinator of the Rubber & Plastics News' Rubber Directory & Buyers Guide and office staff member of Crain Communications in Akron.

Nannette O'Neal, 68, office and classified ad manager for Rubber & Plastics News from 1974-83.

William “Bill” Levensalor, 71, founder of Belt Corp. of America and an innovator in the conveyor belt industry.