The industry loses two of the "good guys."

William E. Sloan II, Executive Vice President Sloan Valve Co.

William Elvis Sloan II died in his home on Aug. 1. He was 60 years old.

He served as Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Sloan Valve Co., leading manufacturer of Flushometers and electronic faucets. The company was founded in Chicago 94 years ago by his grandfather, the late William E. Sloan. It is now headquartered in Franklin Park, Ill.

Bill began his remarkable career with Sloan Valve in 1957. His unique brand of enthusiasm and humor, along with his "can do/will do" attitude helped make his company a leader in the industry.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Bill served as an active member in a variety of organizations, including: the Driscoll High School Advisory Board; the Board of Director's of Butterfield Country Club; Board of Director's for the Hide Away Beach Condo Association of Marco Island; Island Country Club (Marco Island); the Economic Development Committee for Franklin Park; the Addison Planning Commission; the American Foundrymen's Society; and the Midwest Industrial Management Association.

Bill thoroughly enjoyed his antique car collection and racing, as well as a good round of golf. He had an immense passion for life and a total commitment to his family and his company.

He is survived by his wife, Corinne, and two children. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, The American Cancer Society.

Adolf Schoepe, Founder Of Fluidmaster Inc.

Adolf Schoepe, founder and chairman of Fluidmaster Inc., and co-founder of Kwikset Lock Co., died in Fullerton, Calif. on July 29 after a brief illness. He was 97 years old, and will be missed by the industry.

A German who immigrated in 1927 unable to speak English, he became the entrepreneur and inventor whose Fluidmaster toilet tank repair valve revolutionized the plumbing industry. Earlier, his improved lockset made Kwikset a leader in the lock industry. Schoepe was also a long-time Orange County business and community leader, fundraiser and philanthropist.

During World War II, he taught welding in night classes to thousands of women to aid wartime aircraft production. As the war ended, Schoepe and a friend began what would become Kwikset Lock Co.

When a concept for a revolutionary toilet tank repair valve came in 1955, Schoepe sold his interest in Kwikset and created Fluidmaster in Anaheim, Calif. A breakthrough occurred in 1963 when sales doubled over the next five years. Sales tripled from 1968-73, then doubled every five years for the next quarter-century.

Today, Fluidmaster sells products in more than 85 countries worldwide and holds an 80 percent market share in the United States.

"The greatest satisfaction of all comes from serving and earning the trust of millions of people with products that proudly carry the Fluidmaster name," said Schoepe in a recent interview. "It makes those early years of struggle all very much worthwhile."

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Virginia Sherrill Schoepe, two children and three grandchildren, and sister Molly.