The Passing of Harold W. Requarth

Harold W. Requarth 1925-2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of longtime President and CEO of the Requarth Co. Harold W. Requarth.  Harold was the fourth generation leader of the company founded in 1860 by his great grandfather, and successfully steered it through periods of growth and economic and market challenges for more than three decades.

Harold started with the Requarth Co. while attending Fairview High School, working part-time in their architectural drafting room. When WWII began, Harold left to serve our nation in the Merchant Marine. After the war, he enrolled at Ohio University, where he earned
an engineering degree in 1950.

Upon graduation, Harold returned to the Requarth Co., where he spearheaded its entry into the home center market in 1959 with the opening of their first Lumber Mart on Dorothy Lane in Kettering. Two more stores would be added before the company sold the locations to Wolohan Lumber in 1972.

In 1967, Harold initiated the creation of the Dayton Flameproof and Wood Preserving Co. He oversaw all aspects of the process, from building the plant to operating it and was an active participant in industry associations and meetings nationwide. The company continues to produce fire retardant treated wood to this day.

Upon the passing of his father, Earl Requarth, Harold was elected President of Requarth Co. in 1974. He was named CEO in 1994 and retained that role until his retirement in 2013- after 63 years of continuous service.

It is believed that fewer than one percent of family businesses in the US survive four generations. For Harold Requarth, it has been said that, while his leadership and innovation were critical to the success the company enjoyed during his tenure, it was his passion for the business and his integrity in dealing with customers, employees and vendors that were most responsible for taking the Requarth Co. into a successful fifth generation of management and ownership.

Visitation for Harold was held Thursday, July 7th at Westbrock Funeral Home. Services took place on Friday, July 8th at Westbrock, followed by burial at Woodland Cemetery with Pastor Mark Carlson officiating.