PCA marks the passing of Fred W Cohrs

Fred W Cohrs, 84, a former PCA Board member and Honorary Committee member, passed away on 15 October 2017. Born in Essen, Germany, Fred immigrated first to Canada and then to the US, where he made exceptional contributions to the cement industry and PCA. 

He served on the association’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and was active on other PCA committees. Fred was chair of the General Promotion Committee and helped lead PCA to become more market oriented, increase member participation and maximise return on member investment. 

As chair of the R&D Committee his leadership improved alignment of the PCA research programme with the needs of the buildings and paving markets, shaped advocacy efforts addressing mercury and dioxin emissions, and influenced early sustainability efforts addressing life cycle assessment of concrete structures.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Ortrud (Peggy) and he is survived by his sons, Denis Cohrs, Michael Cohrs, and Cary Cohrs; grandchildren Corey, Cortney, Ashley and Casey Cohrs; his sister, Elisabeth Cohrs Schmitz and brother, Hann Cohrs. The family has welcomed anyone wishing to honour Fred to make donations in his name to the American Cancer Society.