John Ryan, a veteran of extrusion and a former official with flat-die maker Extrusion Dies Industries LLC, died Aug. 13.
He was 73.
Ryan died from an infection after complications from a tick bite, the company said.
Ryan of Topsfield, Mass., worked for Monsanto Co., Johnson Plastic Machinery and Gloucester Engineering Co. Inc. before joining EDI in 1990. He worked out of his Topsfield office as sales manager for the U.S. northeast and eastern Canada for the Chippewa Falls-based company.
He also served as a product manager and played a key role in developing innovative die systems and components.
After retiring from EDI in 2003, he continued working for the company, serving as a consultant.
``John was widely respected as a leading technical and marketing expert in the field of extrusion and was a key member of our team for many years,'' said Christopher Curtin, EDI vice chairman.
``He had a colorful personality, was well-liked by customers and colleagues, and will be sorely be missed by his friends at EDI and around the world.''
Ryan is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol, and six children.