R. C. Rieder's Obituary
Born December 12, 1915 in Saginaw, Michigan. He passed away February 3, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Marion. R.C. received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1937. He also attended General Electric Business Training School. He worked for General Electric in Niles, Ohio and Goodyear Aircraft in Akron, Ohio and then returned to Saginaw where he was Vice President, Works Manager, and Director at Baker Perkins, Inc. In 1961, he relocated to Dallas and joined Continental-Emsco Co. (a division of Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co.) as Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering; and he remained with the company as its President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman until his retirement in 1977. He was CEO and Chairman of Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co.; President of Fibrecast Co. and Timberline Equipment Co.; Director of Lykes Corp.; Executive Vice President and Director of Nippon-Conemsco Ltd., Japan. He also served as President of Continental-Emsco’s Venezuelan and British companies and Conemsco Marine Systems and was a board member of Sabine Royalty Trust. He was active in several trade organizations and was a director of Texas Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association, director and past-president of Petroleum Equipment Supplies Association, member American Petroleum Institute Independent Petroleum Association, member National Ocean Industries Association, director American Iron & Steel Institute, and International Iron & Steel Institute. R.C. traveled the world from the time he finished college throughout his business career, and made and maintained many lifelong friendships as a result of these journeys. He was a mentor to many; a great boss; a caring, supportive friend; and a loving husband, son, father, and uncle. Following his retirement he pursued the things he enjoyed most which included fly-fishing on his beloved AuSable River, gardening and maintaining a perfect yard, and ballroom dancing to good music. He belonged to Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas Petroleum Club, Dallas Wildcat Committee, Sigma Phi, and the AuSable North Branch Association. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne, his niece Lori, her husband Dennis, and their children Caitlin and Dustin. Special thanks to the caregivers who treated R.C. with love and kindness during his final months. R.C. was entombed in the Abbey Mausoleum at Restland Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the AuSable North Branch Foundation; 955 Morley Road; Grayling, MI 49738, or to the charity of your choice.
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