In Memoriam: Howard DeGroot

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Howard DeGroot, a TAPPI member since 1968 and a TAPPI Fellow beginning in 1980, had a profound influence on the paper industry's use of new coating and graphic arts technology. He attended his first TAPPI Coating Conference in 1958 and 20 years later found himself chairing that event in Denver, Colo. Just two years later, in 1980, he became chairman of the Coating and Graphic Arts (C&GA) Division, which awarded him its Leadership and Service award in 1988.

A key to DeGroot's career in the paper industry was a degree in chemistry from Aurora College, in Illinois. His first job was a wallpaper chemist where his experience with air knives and coatings created a subsequent path into paper coating and graphic arts. He then worked with Oxford Paper R&D, helping develop modern blade coating technology. During the 1970s, he directed Oxford's efforts to develop and commercialize the use of new resins, co-polymers, and continuous adhesive preparatory methods. He also worked for Boise Cascade in the 1980s, overseeing the implementation of new coating machines and other associated improvements.

DeGroot has been internationally recognized for his pioneering research and development work in coating technology, and he gained great distinction as a volunteer TAPPI leader. His active participation in conferences and seminars, as speaker, panelist, or program/conference chairman, provided invaluable inspiration to others. His tireless efforts to attract young technical men and women to the division's committees and programs ensured the continued, dynamic growth of the C&GA Division up to today, and into the future.