William J. Whitsitt, a world expert on corrugated containers and corrugator runnability, passed away on May 28, at the age of 84. A Minnesota native, Whitsitt joined the Institute of Paper Chemistry (IPC) in Appleton, Wis., USA, in 1948, upon receiving his BChE from the University of Minnesota that year. His more than 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.
Whitsitt 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 and 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 joined Menasha Corp. in 1989 when IPC moved to Atlanta.
A TAPPI member since 1964, Whitsitt 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, he donated his body to science.
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