The Reusable Packaging Association mourns the passing of industry leader and RPA board member Graham Connor. With decades of experience in the pallet and material handling industry, leading to his role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Customer Support at iGPS Logistics for the last ten years, Graham joined the RPA Board of Directors in 2021 and immediately contributed to the association’s leadership team. Graham provided time-tested views about the business of pallet management services, and his positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and passion for the reusable packaging industry stood out. Graham was re-elected to RPA’s Board in January 2023.
RPA Chairman of the Board and CEO RM2 Kevin Mazula reflected: “Graham was one of the first people that I met when I joined the amazing pallet pooling world, and I took a liking to him immediately. Although we were competitors, I remember him welcoming me to the industry and offering to give me some of his ‘special’ insights into how this business really works. Graham was always giving, always upbeat, and always able to see the opportunities in front of each of us. Looking forward, I hope to be able to share with others a bit of the knowledge that Graham shared with me. I will always think of Graham fondly.”
Jeff Pepperworth, president of iGPS Logistics, remarked: “Graham was truly a veteran of the pallet and logistics business. Everybody knew him, he knew everybody, and he played an instrumental role in the growth and evolution of the industry over forty years. Here at iGPS, his customers knew that he would always move mountains to make sure they got the service and support they needed. We will all miss Graham, and we’ll work hard to help carry on his legacy.”
Ben Stoller, CEO of Paxxal, began his term as RPA chairman when Graham joined the Board, and the two had a shared work history in the pallet industry. “Graham was a true leader and inspiration,” said Stoller. “When I started in the business and met him for the first time he was gracious with his time and sage advice. He became a de facto mentor and was always available for tutelage. He will be missed.”
Mike Hachtman, president and CEO of 48forty, remembered Graham as “a long-time friend to me and the industry. For over 40 years, he was passionate about pallets, but even more so about the people he met along the way. Coworkers, customers, competitors – Graham loved them all. His warmth and friendship will be missed by many.”
RPA president & CEO Tim Debus worked with Graham on board affairs and member programs. “We benefitted from his counsel on a variety of issues, and his enthusiasm for supporting the reusable packaging industry was always apparent. Graham was eager to contribute to the association as much as possible this past year, even finding the time and strength to travel and attend our Board meeting in January. His spirit will be a lasting presence in our industry collaboration and success.”
Two other organizations that were important to Graham are the American Cancer Society and Friends of the Earth. Donations to either can be made in honor of his memory.