The following remembrance comes from Conn’s colleagues at S.A. Day and Johnson Manufacturing.
Paul Conn, past president, and part owner of S.A. Day Mfg Co. for more than 50 years, died Aug. 21. He was 86.
Conn was instrumental in the global growth and success of the S.A. Day Mfg Co. He was extremely knowledgeable in the fields of electroplating and metal finishing. In the late 1950s, 60s and 70s, he was instrumental in assisting many companies, such as Trico and IBM with extensive plating installations and in troubleshooting their problems. He held numerous patents and introduced a number of innovative products to the heat transfer industry. Through his stewardship, the company worked in concert with many of the major manufacturers around the world, including Chrysler, Harrison (Delphi), Ford Motor Co. and many others. He was instrumental in the development of the many flux products that are still being produced today, including bromide soldering flux products for copper/brass and CAB brazing flux, pastes and other products for aluminum.
Conn was a staunch supporter of NARSA, as well as MACS and attended virtually every NARSA and MACS function, local ed/tech meetings, as well as regional and national meetings, shows and conventions. You couldn’t miss Paul at any of these events, since he was a “gentlemen’s” gentleman, always in suit and tie looking very dapper. From business owners to repairmen, Paul always was there to help and assist.
He was recognized with Industry Awards numerous times by NARSA, MACS and other professional organizations throughout his long and illustrious career. Without a doubt, all of us who knew him or had the opportunity to have had a discussion, meeting or even a short interaction with him, will surely miss this gentleman and innovator and most of all, friend!
