We have received the sad news that Richard Barnhart, the founder of Memphis based Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co has died.
He passed away at his home in Millington, Tennessee on the 21st of January at the age 90.
Barnhart started out in the US Navy with the Seabees - United States Naval Construction Battalion - the Seabee coming from ‘CB’ for Construction Battalion. He served a total of four years and obtained a BSc in Civil Engineering from University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS). He then went to work with the contractor and civil engineering firm Chicago Bridge & Iron.
In 1967 the company sent him to Memphis as part of the team building a plant on President’s Island. On completing the project in 1969, he decided to stay on and teamed up with Jimmy Oldham to set up a local contracting company. Some of their early projects included the Schlitz Brewery and Cook Convention Centre. This transformed into Barnhart Crane and Rigging run by Dick and his wife Nancy.
Dick Barnhart
In the late 1970s, Barnhart made the decision to focus on providing cranes for large construction projects, helping the company grow into a globally recognised business with 58 locations across the USA, with more than 1,800 employees. He decided to step back from the day to day running of the business in 1986, handing over to his sons Alan and Eric.
Not one to rest on his laurels he and Nancy fulfilled a lifetime dream to sail around the world, he also served as a scoutmaster, and donated millions to organisations that helped support young people. In 2008 he was inducted into the Society of Entrepreneurs.
Richard Barnhart
He also made eight trips to the gulf coast with his specially modified tractor to help with clean-up operations after hurricane Katrina. He was apparently still driving his tractor a few weeks ago, helping his sons clear downed trees on his 200 acre home.
He leaves behind Nancy, his wife of 68 years, children Eric, Alan and Donna, 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
The crane rental industry has not only lost another of its pioneers, the world has lost a truly decent and thoughtful individual.
A memorial service will be held at the Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis on Saturday, February 10th. The visitation will held be from 11:30 until the service time of 13:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army.
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