BIG ISLAND, Hawaii (23 Apr 2007) -- Lawrence J. Rhoades was a shrewd businessman, a creative genius and a generous spirit, according to those who knew him. On Saturday, the Westmoreland County business owner and Squirrel Hill resident became ill while scuba diving in Kona, Hawaii, and died shortly afterward. Rhoades, 62, was the founder and chief executive of The Ex One Co., a North Huntingdon manufacturing technology business born of his previous business, Extrude Hone Corp., which was acquired by Kennametal Inc. two years ago for $137 million. He served for 36 years as president of Extrude Hone, which produced industrial polymers that polished the space shuttle Atlantis in 2002. Extrude Hone was recognized by the Pittsburgh Technology Council as one of the region's fastest-growing technology firms. A prolific author and inventor, Rhoades was a leader in the field of nontraditional machining, finishing and measurement. He held more than 200 patents on more than 30 inventions, according to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. David Burns, president and CEO of The Ex One, said he and Rhoades had different personalities, but they were ideal business partners. "He was world-renown in technology. He was astoundingly creative with an entrepreneurial spirit. He was not afraid to take a risk," Burns said. Mike Connolly, president of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association, said Rhoades was a member of the board of directors for the past four years and had been associated with the Vintage Grand Prix for about 15 years. But his friendship with Rhoades began in 1977 when he brought his MG Triumph TR-7 into Connolly's shop, McB Autosport, in Bridgeville, for service. "You know how Will Rogers said he never met a man he didn't like? There wasn't anyone who didn't like Larry. He was a very giving, personable guy, as well as a shrewd businessman," Connolly said. | | The ExOne Co. confirmed Monday that founder and CEO Lawrence Rhoades died while scuba diving off the Big Island in Hawaii. "He had a lot of passion and was generous to a fault. We raise money for autism, and he did everything in his power to support our cause. It is a great loss," he said. Rhoades was a board member of the Pittsburgh Symphony for the past 10 years. Burns said Rhoades is survived by three children. Arrangements will be announced later this week, he said. SOURCE - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba ForumCDNN Related NewsCANADA - High-tech firm CEO dies scuba diving |
