It is with great sadness that we note the passing of former NAM President Sandy Trowbridge. He died yesterday at his home in Washington. He was 76.
Sandy Trowbridge reigned at the NAM for 10 years, from 1979 to 1989 as President, having served in the Lyndon Johnson Administration as the youngest Commerce Secretary ever. He was only 38 when confirmed to that enormous job, one that he filled quite ably. He then came to us, where he led through times both good and lean, always with a steady hand. A former Marine, he was known for his decisiveness and leadership on behalf of manufacturing. And, he was just a great and decent guy, one who rose to great heights but who never lost the common touch.
He was a great ally of the entire manufacturing community. The manufacturing family — starting with the NAM — mourns the passing of this great man. We invite any of you who knew Sandy and who have thoughts or memories of him to just click on the “Comments” tag below and share them with us.
May 15th, 2006 on 5:35 pm
Dear Ellie, Steve, Corrin, Kim and Family,
The Peter Strong family: Peter, Mette Karin, Bente, Ingrid, Berit, Leif, Finn ALL send our sympathies in the passing of Sandy. We all second the nice thoughts and comments contained herein.
Sandy was a fantastic man. Our family get togethers, spending time with Sandy, will always be fondly remembered. One-Of-A-Kind, Top Shelf !! Ellie – a heart of gold and a heart of endurance too. Hugs from the Strongs to all the Trowbridges.
May 3rd, 2006 on 3:14 pm
Dear Ellie and family,
Marilyn and I want to express our sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Sandy. I was very fortunate to work for him at NAM. He was a unique gentleman, very fair,wise, and perceptive. This city needs more people who will emulate him. He will be missed very much.
Randy Hale
May 3rd, 2006 on 2:53 pm
Dear Ellie and family,
Marilyn and I want to express our sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Sandy. I was very fortunate to work for him at NAM. He was a unique gentleman, very fair,wise, and perceptive. This city needs more people who will emulate him. He will be missed very much.
Randy Hale
May 3rd, 2006 on 11:58 am
Sandy had an enormous impact on my early professional life when I joined the NAM in 1982. He was gracious and caring about staff, and showed his appreciation for effors on behalf of NAM and its members. His leadership, his grace and style will long be remembered. All the best to Ellie and family.
April 28th, 2006 on 4:04 pm
Calm. Caring. Genuine. What grace.
We can hear him now: Oh my.
Prayers and blessings to Ellie, and the entire family.
David and Catherine Walker
April 28th, 2006 on 2:40 pm
It was a pleasure to work for Sandy – a true gentleman in the classic meaning of the word. He was one of the last of the dying breed of Washington politicos who put principle over party and politics and could disagree without being disagreeable. While a strong and effective advocate, he never denied the sincerity or impugned the intelligence or patriotism of those who disagreed with him. This is a rare – and much missed – quality these days. We will not see his like again.
April 28th, 2006 on 9:32 am
Sandy was TRULY A GENTLE-MAN with STRONG LEADERSHIP AND A STRONG FOREHAND IN TENNIS.
I will miss his respect, smile and gentle ways.
He was a great friend of my Dad’s
Thornton F. Bradshaw.
With prayers for Ellie and his family and
With great appreciation for his life-
Priscilla Bradshaw