Randolph O. Bard, 1911 - 2003

Randolph O. Bard, past chairman of Bard Manufacturing Co., Bryan, OH passed away in February. He was 92. Randolph Bard began working in his father’s company during his high school years. The new company specialized in performing heating and plumbing contract work. Randolph joined the company full-time in 1926. Shortly thereafter, the company patented its first oil furnace. Randolph became company president in 1944 after company founder Dale Bard died. The company grew steadily over the next few decades, largely in the residential and commercial modular building markets. In 1963, Bard manufactured its first “Wall-Mount” air conditioner, and Randolph’s commitment for the company to be the “wall-mount of choice” became the driving force for the company. Randolph retired in 1981, after 54 years with the company. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Naomi, two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.