Ron and Don

The PVF industry was saddened and shocked by the sudden and untimely death of one of its long-term stalwarts, Don Caffee.

As John Leone, owner-CEO of Bonney Forge, eulogized, "When they cast him, they threw away the mold." What a fitting requiem for one that devoted his whole life for the industry he loved and to which he contributed so mightily.

Ron, Bob Tippee, and Don

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Don graduated from his beloved University of Alabama in 1957. But coming from the manufacturing center that included Stockham Valve and several cast iron pipe manufacturers, the pipe, valve and fitting sector was in his blood early on.

Ultimately this led to Caffee's setting up the PVF's outstanding personnel and merger/acquisition operation, ValPers, which was on the way to enjoying its most successful year ever, after a 25-year span.

Scott and Don

When the PVF Roundtable needed a new secretary-treasurer, after the death of Tom Cameron, Caffee was offered and embraced his new assignment with gusto. The same vitality, with which he approached his previous endeavors, resulted in the vigorous forward thrust that the PVF Roundtable is now enjoying.

To crown his industry commitments with justifiable honor, we are proud to announce that Don Caffee, "For his unique lifetime achievements, on behalf of a grateful industry, is joining the 2008 Hall of Fame selectees as an honorary member." This honor will be presented by Morris Beschloss, Wholesaler Magazine contributing editor and industry icon, at the upcoming May 20th PVF Roundtable General Assembly.