John C. Hamar, former President and CEO of Horner Flooring passed away at his home on July 17, 2017.
John was a 1948 graduate of Morgan Park Military Academy, Chicago, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Lawrence College in 1952. John proudly served his country in the Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC) division of the U.S. Army, stationed in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1957, they moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, making Chassell their permanent home. With sawdust in his blood John joined his father at the Chassell Box and Crate Company where he assumed the position of General Manager. In 1958, John became General Manager of Horner Flooring Co. in Dollar Bay and in 1960, along with his father and family, purchased Horner Flooring from the Horner family.
John’s humble and warm personality, along with his strong industry and product knowledge, facilitated expansion into other industry segments including floorcovering distribution and manufacturing operations in other parts of the US and internationally. John’s principles of business were basic; he recognized his employees as his greatest asset and treated them with great respect and recognized customers were first, friends. John retired as President and CEO of Horner Flooring and affiliated companies in 1987.
John served and supported many organizations including: Director and President of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA), Member of the Board of Directors of the Hardwood Flooring Installation School and National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).
In 2006, John was presented with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from Finlandia University. John was inducted into the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame in 2008.
To view John’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.