In Memoriam

Karen Rodning

Toll Company announced that Karen Rodning passed away on September 20th. Karen worked for Toll Company for over 40 years. The company posted on LinkedIn:

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and most importantly friend, Karen Rodning, who passed away on Tuesday Sept. 20th.

Karen proudly served the customers here at Toll for over 40 years. Her customers became friends, and she will be missed by all.

Karen’s passing leaves a big hole in all our hearts.

Dan Fallon

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Dan Fallon, who passed away on October 4, 2022. Dan was the founder of McDantim, Inc. in 1991.

Dan passed away peacefully at home on October 4th with his muchloved wife, Jane; his brother, Tim; and sister, Michele, at his side. Dan was born on June 26th, 1951, in Coronado, California, to Marjorie (Sheppard) and Mert Fallon. Compassionate, quiet, and gentle even as a child, his open heart connected with people wherever he went. Dan was an accomplished horseman, a passion he shared with Jane; together they had four horses. Dan's adventurous spirit led him to enjoy competitive swimming, scuba diving, traveling, parachuting, flying, teaching adaptive skiing, birdwatching, inventing, and making outrageous puns. In 1991, Dan founded McDantim, Inc., a small manufacturing company. He moved it to Helena shortly afterwards and led it with deep integrity.

Dan is survived by his wife, Jane; his brother and sister, nine nieces and nephews (and seventeen great-nieces and nephews) who adored him, and a number of dear friends.

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Larry Vogel

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Lawrence “Larry” Vogel, who passed away peacefully at the age of 79. Larry worked for Norris Cylinder for 35 years until his retirement in 2014.

Born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, he graduated from St. Albans High School and continued his education at Western Kentucky University, where he received his BA in Business Administration and Marketing.

After college, Larry went to work for Union Carbide for 15 years before accepting a position as Regional Sales Manager with Norris Cylinder Company. He retired from Norris Cylinder in 2014 after 35 years with the company.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Fagan Vogel; his daughters, Tammi Fennelly (Patrick), Leah Cote (James) and Andrea Bliss (Mark); nine grandchildren Joshua Patrick (Alexandria Love), Erich Joseph, Kaelynn Marie, Tony Margaret, Nikole Rose, Colin Lawrence, James McKenna Jr. (Jaime), Vivian Kathleen and Carolina Elizabeth (Carrie); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Tommie and his brother, Mike.

Joe Abrams

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Joseph H. Abrams, who passed away on Sunday, September 25th.

Joe was a leader in the Industrial Gas industry, and LifeGuard Technologies, as you know it today, would not exist without his ingenuity and dedication to making a safer industry for all.

In 1986, Joe owned and sold one of the largest industrial gas companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Woodland Oxygen Supply Company. He held three patents, including one that was issued when he was 90 years old. Joe was a pioneer founding Woodland Cryogenics and developing the industry’s first state of-the-art computerized cylinder filling plants, as well as having invented the LifeGuard Safety Hose technology, that has been mandated for use by the US, Canadian and Indian governments, as well as specified by all the largest industrial gas companies in the world.

Jim Cielinski

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Jim Cielinski who passed away at the age of 70. As a graduate of Bloomsburg University, Jim spent the majority of his professional career within the compressed gas industry, having worked at Sherwood Valve, CP Industries, and retiring as Sales Manager at Weldship Corporation in 2019.

James is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela, son, Michael Cielinski; daughter, Kate Cielinski, stepson, Robert Wilbern, Jr.; grandson, Samuel. He was predeceased by brothers, Edward and Donald and sister, Carol.

SAM A. WILSON

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Sam A. Wilson, who passed away on November 19, 2022, at the age of 91. Sam was the former owner of Wilson Oxygen in Austin, Texas.

In October of 1963, Sam fulfilled his dream of owning his own company and his family of five moved to Austin. Wilson Oxygen and Supply Co, began with one truck, one driver and a bookkeeper. It grew from a small company to one of the largest independent industrial gas companies in the country.

Sam devoted thirty-two years to growing his successful business, Wilson Oxygen, while still attending every activity of his children and grandchildren. One of his weekly highlights were Sunday family dinners at Matt’s El Rancho which he enjoyed for over twenty years. He sold Wilson Oxygen in 1995 and retired to enjoy a life of traveling the world, community volunteerism and playing golf.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sonia, of 66 years. Children Steve, wife Nancy and grandchildren Brooke and Lydia Wilson of Austin, TX. His grandson Grant Wilson, wife Kimberly, of Atlanta, GA; grandson Trent Wilson, wife Kristy, stepson Oscar Cole and great-granddaughter Mary-Sterling Wilson of Tuscaloosa, AL. Daughter Sharon and her children Catherine Chlebowski, husband Greg Henson and great-grandsons Leland and Francis Henson of Houston, TX; Caroline Chlebowski of Austin, TX; Claire Chlebowski, husband David Pruitt, of

Houston, TX. His niece Mary McCall, husband Strick Heilman, of Leesburg, VA. He was preceded in death by his son Sterling Wilson and sister Dixann McCall.

Nick Provenzano

Advanced Welding Supply Company, Inc. announced on its Facebook page that its longtime senior salesman, Nick Provenzano, had passed away. Nick was a dedicated employee and will be remembered by members of the Advanced Welding Supply team as more of a brother than a co-worker.

Nick passed away on September 19, 2022, at the age of 75. Beloved husband of Kathy. Loving father to Nick II (Chris) and Jeremy (Sonia). Proud grandfather of Nicholas III, Hunter, Chase, Jordan, Stephanie, Caitlyn, Jennifer and Christopher. Dear brother of Christine (Larry) Smith. Further survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Johnny Anthony Vigil

Buckeye Welding Supply Company announced on its Facebook page that Johnny Anthony Vigil passed away tragically at the age of 51. Johnny was always full of life, had a caring way of listening to people, a charismatic smile and personality. He had an endless love for his family and friends. Family meant everything to Johnny, including his long-term relationship with his first wife, Stacie Vigil. He was passionate about celebrating Halloween and he loved to watch any and all horror movies. He loved going to watch the Denver Broncos, spending time with his family, drinking beer and listening to music.

To know Johnny was to love Johnny with his funny stories, silly sayings he would endlessly repeat, and his big bear hugs. He was not afraid to show his feelings and would sincerely say “I love you” at the end of every conversation. Johnny will be greatly missed by all those he has left behind. Whether you knew Johnny for a short time or a lifetime, you saw how special of a person he was and he certainly left an impact on us all.

Bruce Cook

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Bruce Cook, President and Owner of Humphries Welding Supply, who passed away tragically on December 6, 2022, at the age of 52 following a snowmobiling accident.

Bruce was a family man first who’s greatest pride and joy was found in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Being a husband, father, and then grandfather, came naturally to Bruce. His children loved spending time with their dad through their many shared hobbies including dirt bike riding, snowmobiling, flying as a pilot, working in his shop (Bruce could fix anything), Lake Powell boating trips, hunting, basketball and vacationing with his family. His grandkids loved and adored their ‘Papa Bruce’ as he was, and still is, the light of their young lives.

Bruce was a staple in the community and known by many as the President and Business Owner of Humphries Welding Supply originated in American Fork, Utah. He was a respected and admired businessman, employer, partner and friend to all he came across. In addition to his occupation as President of Humphries, Bruce also served as member of the American Fork City Fire Department for over 20 years.

Robin Kinnaman

GAWDA sends its condolences to the friends and family of Robin Kinnaman, who passed away on December 19th at the age of 76. Robin worked for Manchester Tank for more than 32 years until his retirement in 2017.

According to a statement from Manchester Tank, "We are extremely saddened to share that a beloved Manchester Tank team member of over 32 years, Robin Kinnaman, has passed away. Robin was a valued member of the sales team and touched many lives during his long tenure with Manchester Tank. He retired in 2017 and will be missed.