William K. Metcalfe

William K. Metcalfe, of Willow Valley Retirement Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania  died August 12^th at The Glen Assisted Living Facility and under the care of Hospice of Lancaster County. Born in Carr, Colorado, on June 10, 1912, he was the son of the late Thomas and Ada Metcalfe.

Bill was preceded in death by Ruth D. Metcalfe, his wife of 69-plus years. He was a lifetime elder of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ridgefield Park, NJ and in Lancaster was affiliated with Westminster Presbyterian Church. He had a long tenure on the Geneva College Board of Trustees, and Geneva conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1965. In addition to serving on numerous boards and committees, he was an active member of Gideons International.

Mr. Metcalfe received his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado in 1936, after pre-engineering study at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He began his distinguished career in engineering, serving for 25 years with J.O. Ross Engineering and Midland-Ross. In 1961 he co-founded the AER Corporation, later the AER Thermo-Electron Corporation of Ramsey, New Jersey serving as CEO of this engineering firm. AER specialized in airflow systems for the paper industry. Mr. Metcalfe held many patents and published numerous papers and textbooks on his work. He developed the concept of balancing airflow in the machine room, the control of airflow in the dryer section, and the concept that proper use of air would increase production and drying uniformity on the paper machine. In 1979 he became a director of Sandy Hill Corporation.

Active in some 12 professional and educational associations, Mr. Metcalfe also served as director and president of the Pulp and Paper Machinery Manufacturers Association. He played a leadership role in 15 civic organizations. His numerous honors and awards included the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from the University of Colorado.

The Metcalfes moved to Manor North in 1994 after living in Chappaqua, New York for 47 years. They enjoyed many friendships and actively pursued activities at Willow Valley and in the area. Each year was highlighted by several weeks in Naples, Florida, and summer visits in Sag Harbor, Long Island with their growing family.

Surviving is his daughter, Carolyn Mollenkopf of Baltimore, Maryland and his son, Robert Metcalfe of New Fairfield, Connecticut, four grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, a brother Robert Metcalfe, and a sister, Ann Temple Miller.

A memorial service will be held at the Johnson Auditorium at Willow Valley Manor North on Saturday at 11AM, with the family receiving friends from 10:20AM until 11AM. Please omit flowers. Memorial gifts may be sent to Gideons International, Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or Hospice of Lancaster County. Arrangements by Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Lancaster 393-9661.