Dear Team,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that my father, best friend, mentor, and our beloved Barry-Wehmiller Chairman, Bob Chapman, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

For the past 16 months, he has battled leukemia with the same optimism, humor, and resilience that defined his leadership. He was fortunate to receive extraordinary care, which gave him time to continue pursuing his passion – redefining what success looks like in business. He continued to lead, listen, and care for the team members he held dear, while reminding the world what caring leadership looks like. Even as his body grew tired, his commitment to people never wavered.

Many of you knew him personally. Many more felt his presence through the culture he shaped and the standard he set. For over 50 years, he built far more than a company. He built a community grounded in dignity, respect, and the idea that how we treat one another matters deeply. He started a movement – one that is gaining traction around the world.

My dad was an eternal optimist. His ability to see what’s possible was rooted in a deep belief in others. He often said he was not most proud of the equipment we built or services we provided at Barry-Wehmiller but, instead, the people who built and provided them. He measured success by the lives he touched. That belief shaped this company. It shaped all of us.

His passing is an immeasurable loss. And yet, what he created does not leave with him. It was never meant to. He gave us all a greater purpose: a clear, enduring belief that business can be the most powerful force for good. That was his life’s work. And now, it becomes ours to steward, to strengthen, and to bring to life in ways that reach far beyond where we are today.

Thank you for being part of his life's work and for carrying it forward in a way that would make him proud. He may not be able to be with us physically, but he will remain in our hearts as we build upon his amazing legacy.

Kyle

You can find the media release about Dad’s passing HERE.