Longtime Friend of NRCA Passes Away

Wayne Tobiasson, building science researcher and adviser to NRCA, passed away August 14. He was 81.

Tobiasson received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University, Boston, and a master’s degree in engineering from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. He worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory for 39 years and was named Engineer of the Year in 1992 for his work with national snow load research and standards design. After retiring in 1997, he continued to consult regarding specialty topics and provide national contributions until his death.

Tobiasson received the Roofing Alliance’s William C. Cullen Fellowship Award in 1998 for research regarding venting steep-slope, compact roof systems. His extensive research at CRREL and guidance he personally provided to NRCA during the years serve as technical basis for NRCA’s positions regarding ice damming and attic ventilation for steep-slope roof assemblies and vapor retarder usage in low-slope roof assemblies. Tobiasson also was a frequent contributor to NRCA’s technical conferences and symposia and Professional Roofing.

In addition, Tobiasson was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers; past chairman of the ASCE Task Committee on Snow and Rain Loads; past president of the Eastern Snow Conference; 1996 chairman of the Federal Roofing Committee; honorary member of the Roof Consultants Institute (now IIBEC); and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of New Hampshire.

Tobiasson is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their three daughters and their families: Wendy Tobiasson (Raoul Wertz, Brennan, Niles); Becky Tobiasson (Steven Dexter, Heather, Zachary); and Kirstin Tobiasson (David Swayze).

Memorial donations can be made to Maine Island Trails or your favorite charity.