Grand Rapids, Mich. — Robin Grieve, the former division chairman of Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. polyurethane committee, died Oct. 29. He was 80.
Grieve was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and spent his entire 48 year career in the polyurethanes industry, starting with Upjohn Polymer in 1961, and working also with Dow Chemical Co. and Olin Chemical before becoming a consultant in 1999, with a focus on China.
He serviced in consultancy roles with Connecticut-based Synuthane International Inc., Chinese polyurethane supplier Yantai Wanhua Polyurethane Co. Ltd. and Syria-based Baalbaki Chemical Industries
He chaired SPI's PU group from 1988-1989.
Grieve's son David wrote: "My dad had a profound ability to connect with people from all around the world while working in the polyurethane industry, which was a great passion of his. His business dealings took him all around the world, many times over, from Scotland to America, to all of Europe, China and the Middle East. He loved people from all walks of life with different religions, ethnicities, experiences, cultures and knowledge.
"My dad didn't care if you were the CEO or sweeping the floor for the company because as a person you should have respect, integrity, honesty, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for one another."
Grieve is also survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia. Private services were held on Nov. 8 in Grand Rapids, Mich.