The roofing industry mourns the loss of Charles Bechtel, who passed away on June 7 at the age of 83.

Bechtel served in top positions with multiple roofing associations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Miami Valley Roofing and Sheet Metal Association.

Bechtel's obituary states he graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1956 and began his journey into the roofing industry as a journeyman roofer after high school. He attended the University of Dayton, and in 1970, assumed control of Harold J. Becker Company as president. During his tenure, the Round Rock TX Roofing Company became a complete Section 7 moisture protection contractor with expertise in roofing, sheet metal, caulking and masonry restoration.

Bechtel served as president and a charter member of the Miami Valley Roofing and Sheet Metal Association and was elected NRCA president in 1994. He served on numerous roofing and waterproofing committees and as an educational speaker for the NRCA. He received the NRCA's prestigious J.A. Piper Award in 2005. Bechtel was also a founding member of the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association, serving as its first president, and was a member of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA).

"All of us that knew Chuck know that he was dedicated to the roofing industry and generously gave back in his time and resources to improve the industry and share knowledge with his fellow roofing contractors," said MRCA Executive Director Bob Pope in an email to members.

Bechtel's family asks that donations in his memory be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org) in lieu of flowers. A memorial mass will be held June 22 in Xenia, Ohio.

Chris Gray is the managing editor of Roofing Contractor.