Honoring Don Wirtanen

July, 2019

Upon his untimely passing, CANTEX President Don Wirtanen was honored on July 18, 2019 with an article about his passing taking the lead story in TED Magazine, one of the electrical distribution industry’s most prominent trade publications.

The article led with TODAY’S TOP STORY in large red capital letters as an honor to Don and his many achievements.

Click here to read the article in TED Magazine.

TED Magazine Excerpt:

CANTEX PRESIDENT PASSES AWAY

FORT WORTH, Texas — CANTEX inc. announced yesterday that its longtime President Don Wirtanen passed away at his home in Fort Worth, Texas this week at the age of 66.

Wirtanen’s 33-year career at CANTEX began in 1986 as a Product Sales Manager before he was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing-Electrical in 1990. In 1991, he was promoted to CANTEX Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He then progressed to Executive Vice President & General Sales Manager in 1994 before taking the lead of CANTEX as President in 1995, the position he held until his untimely passing. Wirtanen’s career is marked by several years of record sales for CANTEX and great growth that necessitated new manufacturing facilities and distribution centers nationwide.

“It is with the deepest sadness that CANTEX has learned of the passing of CANTEX President Don Wirtanen. Don was an incredible businessman, a mentor, and a great friend. He leaves behind an extraordinary company, which he truly helped build during his 33 years of service. Don’s dedication to customers and quality will always be the foundation of CANTEX. Don’s vision, leadership, and love for CANTEX played a major role in making CANTEX one of [the] largest manufacturers of PVC electrical products in the United States.  He was truly esteemed by his employees for exemplary business standards and his concern for others,” said CANTEX Vice President of Sales & Marketing Dave Merker.

Wirtanen, who graduated from Ohio State in 1977, was a very dedicated alumnus of his alma mater and an avid Buckeye fan. Wirtanen was very involved with The Ohio State Alumni Association, and he formed the Wirtanen Family Endowment Foundation, which sponsored one Texas athlete who attended Ohio State each year.

“Don was all about his family, his friends, his company and his alma mater,” added Merker.

Wirtanen is survived by his two daughters, Sandra and Susan Wirtanen.  The family plans for a celebration of life service at a later date.

“I believe the best way to honor Don’s memory is to continue to build on his legacy to CANTEX, including his standards of excellence and commitment to service,” added Merker.