William "Bill" Whitsitt, 84, TAPPI Fellow and Corrugated Board Researcher

Print this article | Send to Colleague

William J. Whitsitt, a world expert on corrugated containers and corrugator runnability, passed away on May 28, 2011, at age 84. A Minnesota native, Bill joined the Institute of Paper Chemistry (IPC) in Appleton, WI, in 1948, upon receiving his BChE from the University of Minnesota that year. His over 40 year tenure at IPC was spent in all aspects of container research including boxboard and multiwall sack but with a major emphasis on corrugated containers. The latter included studies of material (liner and medium) and combined board properties and performance, as well as combined board and box manufacturing processes, in order to learn how material properties and manufacturing processes impacted box performance. Bill was internationally known for his work through his many publications, but he also conducted numerous confidential research projects for member companies.

An effective educator, he made frequent presentations at TAPPI Corrugated Container Conferences, taught a Corrugating Short Course at IPC and a course in Containers offered to IPC students. His friendly easy going manner coupled with his vast knowledge also made him a popular instructor in a number of other courses. He was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Bill joined Menasha Corporation in 1989 when IPC moved to Atlanta.

A TAPPI member since 1964, Bill was an active member of the Test Methods Review Board, and was named a TAPPI Fellow in 1991. He will be missed by his family and friends and the international corrugating community. A scientist to the end, Bill donated his body to science.