Loss, love, life. In what was an extremely tough time, the Taco community gathered at the AHR Expo for the Dan Holohan Award for Comfort, which was presented posthumously to John White III who passed away unexpectedly last year—to his wife and daughter. As Dan Holohan aptly stated, comfort can be projected outward, and JWIII did just that, always concerned about how you were first while giving you a big ol’ bear hug.
Dan Holohan gives the award to John III’s wife, Katelyn, and daughter Madison Marie.
John was born in Providence, RI on September 30, 1987. He was a graduate of Moses Brown School in Providence and Wheaton College in Norton, MA. He began his career with Taco during his high school years, starting in maintenance and working his way through many departments. His experience also included a position with B.J. Terroni Company in Bensalem, PA. His Taco career path led to his most recent position as SVP, North American OEM Sales. He was loved by Taco employees and his customers as much as he loved them.
Everyone who knew John experienced his caring, big-hearted personality and sense of humor. He had a passion for creative writing, reading, traveling, and most of all spending time with friends and his family. He was most proud to be the husband to Katelyn White, and father to his daughter, Madison Marie.
Over in the Caleffi booth, another award—with Dan Holohan’s name on it—was passed. The Holohan/Carlson Award, awarded to those who exemplify the highest standards and practices in the hydronics industry, was passed on from previous winner Bob “hot rod” Rohr to a very surprised and humble Dave Hughes who worked at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and serves as a technical advisor for the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH).
Hughes has more than 40 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry and has worked with gas, boiler systems, solar thermal water heating systems, radiant floor heating systems, hydronic system controls, and residential and commercial hydronic system design. He has served as chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council, and vice-chair of the CSA B214 Technical Committee. Active in the hydronics industry, Dave spearheaded the creation and implementation of the CHC Certified Hydronic Designer and Hydronic Installer programs.
Hughes is a specialist at installing and designing hydronic systems for in-floor heating and manages FW&U Consulting, a firm specializing in technical training for pipe trades.
The Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence honor is bestowed upon an American or Canadian citizen, are based upon the character traits of Gil Carlson, mechanical engineer and inventor of the Bell & Gossett System Syzer and his protégé Dan Holohan, author, educator, humanitarian and Society member. Presented once every two years, the recognition is given to an individual known for their dedication to teaching, mentoring and raising funds for philanthropic causes on behalf of the steam and hydronic industry.
The real Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence sits in its permanent home at the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York.
Past winners Dan Holohan, Dave Yates, Robert Bean and Mark Eatherton, John Goshulak, Ingrid Mattsson, Hot Rod Rohr, John Barba and John Siegenthaler.
