Howie Vactor P.E.'s Obituary
Howie Vactor, P.E., an industrial engineer and principal of Midwest Associates since 1958, died August 31, 2015 after a long illness at the age of 91. Mr. Vactor was a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers where he was twice a past president and Director of the Cleveland chapter. He was also a member of the Association of Professional Material Handling Consultants, the Cleveland Engineering Society, a registered professional engineer and a certified materials handling consultant. He was an advisor on the continuing education staff of Cleveland State University and a consultant to Goodwill Industries and other vocational rehabilitation agencies. A recognized authority in the materials handling field, he had written and published articles and lectured on various aspects of industrial and human factors engineering. He attended Cleveland Heights High School, graduated from the University of Illinois and did post-graduate work at Columbia University. He was a member of ZBT Fraternity. During WWII he served as an aerial photographer and gunner on a B-24 in the Pacific theater, where he was awarded the Air Medal and three Bronze Stars. He was a retired captain in the Army Reserves. He was also a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club and is listed in "Who's Who in the Midwest." He belonged to the Elysium Skating Club, was an accomplished tennis player and swimming instructor. Among the greater Cleveland area organizations Mr. Vactor has supported over the years, in addition to the National Recycling Coalition, are the Suburban Symphony, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, The YMCA and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Howie's sister, Frances Kehr, recently died in Columbus, OH. He is survived by a nephew, Warren Kehr and niece, Lauren Kehr in Louisville, KY. HOWIE VACTOR and his sister, FRANCES KEHR, both recently deceased, will be remembered at a brief graveside gathering for close family and friends, at Mayfield Cemetery, Monday, October 5, 2015, 4:00pm. Call niece Lauren Kehr at (502) 295-2337 with any questions.
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