Eric Nord dies at 90
Benjamin Nagy
OBERLIN — Eric T. Nord, who co-founded the Nordson Corporation, established several charitable foundations and fought for civil rights, died Thursday. He was 90 years old.
“His philanthropy made a significant impact on our county and beyond. He donated millions of dollars and was responsible for attracting millions more,” Elyria Mayor Bill Grace said. “He led by example.”
Nord started his career in 1939 at the U.S. Automatic Corporation in Amherst. With his brother, Evan, and father, Walter, he created Nordson in 1954 and served as president until 1974.
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In those 20 years, the company grew from a small, local business to a multinational corporation.
Nord served as chief operating officer until 1983 and chairman of the board of directors until 1997.
Today, Nordson has sales of more than $1 billion.
Amherst Mayor David Taylor said Nordson, which is headquartered in Westlake but has operations in Amherst, continues to boost the local economy and has provided thousands of jobs over the past five decades.
Nord also established the Nord Family Foundation, which has funded arts and culture, civic affairs, education and health and social services across the nation.
Taylor said many of the charitable projects, including funding for the Amherst Historical Society’s Sandstone Village and renovation of the Nordson Depot, have directly benefited Amherst residents.
John Dietrich, president of the Amherst Historical Society, said he considered Nord a mentor.
“I don’t know if people understand how much he’s done. He was completely unassuming and never wanted to be in the limelight. He was a very gracious man,” Dietrich said. “Some people, when they make their fortune, want to give back to the community. He was that kind of person.”
Nord also founded the Nordson Corporation Foundation, the Eric & Jane Nord Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County, all of which aimed to improve the quality of life. His vision resulted in $100 million in support for charitable and educational causes.
Brian Wilbert, rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Oberlin, said Nord was a longtime member of the congregation and had an unfailing work ethic.
“One of my favorite stories about Eric is that he and a number of other people helped dig out the basement of the church to put a new furnace in. He wasn’t afraid to get involved,” he said.
He also wasn’t afraid to stand up for civil rights, fighting in the 1960s to establish fair housing practices for minorities in Oberlin at a time when the idea wasn’t popular, Wilbert said.
“He took heat for that, but it didn’t stop him because he felt it was the right thing to do,” he said.
Nord served on the Oberlin Board of Education, Oberlin City Council, Firelands Association for the Visual Arts, Lorain County Joint Vocational School Board, Lorain County United Way, Allen Memorial Hospital Board and was a trustee for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association.
In 1989, Oberlin College awarded him an honorary doctor of science degree. Nord had served on the college board of trustees for many years and was an honorary trustee when he died.
Diana Roose, secretary of the college, said Nord was a longtime benefactor who created fellowships and supported research. He was also a patron of the arts, contributing much to the Allen Memorial Art Museum.
“He helped presidents and was a trusted adviser in the face of a changing economy. His advice was invaluable,” she said.
Lorain County Community College President Roy Church said Nord was an extraordinary person who is owed a debt of gratitude.
“Eric Nord embodied leadership and innovation, not only in business, but perhaps, most importantly, in commitment to community and education,” he said. “He leaves a legacy that touches us all and has forever improved the quality of life for our community.”
Nord was among the founding members of the Lorain County Community College Foundation, serving from 1974 to 1981, said Marcia Ballinger, LCCC’s vice president of strategic and institutional development.
She said he also championed the creation of the Stocker Arts Center at the college. In 1993, his name was given to the former Advanced Technologies Center, which is now the Nord Advanced Technologies Center.
Edward P. Campbell, chief executive officer at Nordson, said Nord’s legacy will live on.
“The impact of his vision, leadership and philanthropy will continue to be felt for many generations to come,” he said.
Contact Jason Hawk at 329-7148 or jhawk@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Benjamin Nagy June 21st, 2008 in Top Stories.
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