Retread industry veteran Dave Aldrich dies at 85

March 17, 2015

David Aldrich, a retreading industry veteran and a member of the Modern Tire Dealer family, died on March 13, 2015, following an extended illness. He was 85.

Aldrich was born in upstate New York in April 1929, and lived there throughout his youth. He married his high school sweetheart, Beth, in 1950, and enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the tire retread business.

Beginning in December 1985, Aldrich, already a 35-year retread industry veteran, began a dual career as MTD’s retread writer. His first column emphasized the importance of paying more attention to casing surface preparation.

“He truly loved the retreading industry, and I think he had his share of buffing dust instead of blood in his veins,” says his son, Don, who for a number of years worked with his father.

Aldrich also enjoyed photography, history and music, and was very sociable, well-liked, and a “natural encourager to everyone,” according to his obituary.

He was a life member and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a longtime active member of Crestview's Church of the Epiphany, serving in the Vestry and in the choir.

Aldrich was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Louis Aldrich; his wife of 48 years, Beth (1929-1999); his infant son, David Jr.; and his daughters, Mary Kay (1956-1974) and Ruth Ann "Scooter" (1952-2009). He is survived by his son, Donald (Laura) Aldrich of Florida; son-in-law, Thomas MacDonald of New York; grandson, Jason MacDonald; two step-grandsons, Eric (Tiffany) Henson and Paul Houchens; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 424 Garden Street, Crestview, Fla., on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. Cremation will follow and interment will take place at the Church of the Epiphany at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harry Anna Trust Fund by way of your local Florida Elks Lodge. Arrangements are entrusted to the Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. The guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com.