Doors & Hardware Institute Remembers Frank D. Chown, ahc

hoever said “nice guys in the love and comfort of a family that finish last” never met Frank did everything together. Frank and Elea- WChown. He was a friend to nor never had a cross word or argument everyone and left a heritage of kindness between them and the infinite patience and graciousness that still lives on today. they bestowed on their active, and not Frank was born in 1918, the son of D.B. always cooperative, sons set an impossi- and Helen Chown. To be born a Chown in bly high standard for the generation to Portland meant one thing—hardware. In come. Together they demonstrated the the year of Frank’s birth, the family busi- power of family, commitment, sacrifice ness was already 39 years old and enter- and love. ing the second generation of ownership. Frank D. Chown, AHC After WWII, Frank was also reunited August 2, 1918 – August 7, 2006 Chown Hardware had been founded in with another part of the Chown family, 1879 by Frank’s grandfather F.R. Chown. Frank’s father Chown Hardware. In 1945 he re-entered the family business took over the business the year that Frank was born. and remained actively involved for over 50 years. His first Frank and his younger sister, Carol, grew up in the Hol- major project was to build and open a new store at NW 16th lywood neighborhood of Portland and attended Grant and Flanders, where Chown Hardware is still located today. High School. At Grant, his leadership abilities began to be In the 1950s Frank began Choen’s contract hardware realized and he made many life-long friends. business which has since supplied doors and hardware to Later, at Oregon State College, he met his best friend many of the larger commercial building projects in Port- for life, Eleanor Lou Eakin, who became his bride in 1941. land, including the Lloyd Center, the Performing Arts The two college sweethearts were inseparable in love for Center, the Oregon Convention center, all of the Intel 64 years until Eleanor’s death in 2005. and Nike buildings, numerous schools and hospitals, and Frank graduated from college in 1941, then joined the most recently many Pearl District condominiums. Army as a second lieutenant after completing ROTC train- Frank led the business through both prosperous and dif- ing while at school. He was fortunate to never face combat ficult times, taking it through several transformations as he in World War II, spending most of his duty in the Aleu- adapted a traditional retail hardware business to a new and tian Islands. In the Aleutians, the worst enemy was the different marketplace. A highlight of his tenure came in the weather—cold, driving rain and snow that seemed to last 1970s when Eleanor opened several Chown Showcase shops forever on a windswept rock. By the end of the war he had specializing in gifts, decorative hardware and plumbing. This been promoted to captain but was glad to leave the mili- humble foray into residential products grew into the deco- tary life behind and be reunited with his “child bride,” as rative showrooms for which Chown is best known today. he called Eleanor almost every day. Inseparable at home, Frank and Eleanor carried their incred- Frank and Eleanor contributed to the postwar baby ible partnership into the business with resounding success. boom by producing three sons in quick succession: Steve, Frank became a leader in the community through the born in 1948; Fred, born in 1950; and David, born in 1953. power of service and friendship. He eventually led almost They were devoted parents and their boys grew up secure continues on page 80

B y S t eve C h o w n

 DOORS AND HARDWARE • NOVEMBER 2006 In Touch from page  Frank Chown from page  was the Cannon Beach Historical Society which they raised up together DHI to help members by giving them every organization he joined, including and which remains strong today. the information they need to posi- the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Frank and Eleanor’s unique bond tion themselves to take advantage of the National Builders Hardware Asso- was shattered in 2005 when his “child this opportunity. ciation (now known as DHI), the board bride” was called before him to heaven. Consumers are increasingly hold- of trustees at Oregon State Univer- His always cheerful personality took ing corporations accountable for their sity, the Portland Symphony, Rotary, on a melancholy as he longed to join contributions to and impacts on the Volunteers of America, the Lang Syne her once more. On August 7, 2006, he environment. The United States is Society, Sunset Presbyterian Church, was given his final promotion into the becoming more aware of the need to and more. He became a leader by first presence of the Lord and his beauti- transition to more sustainable and becoming a friend. He had the rare gift ful bride. We can only imagine the joy renewable sources of energy and build- of leading others without making any they both felt to be together, never to ing materials. Our industry may not enemies along the way. If he ever joined be separated again. have an enormous direct role to play your organization, he gave you his all. Frank is survived by his three sons; in this movement, but by becoming After retirement, Frank and Elea- his daughters-in-law, Judy Miki and involved, we will at least be in a posi- nor moved to their favorite house Judy; and his six grandsons, Kyle, tion to stay informed and be ready to of all in Cannon Beach. Once again, Nathanael, Danny, Joel, Franklin do our part, as a leader in the archi- Frank became involved in the com- and Michael. Remembrances may be tectural openings industry, to work munity, not for personal gain, but given to the Canon Beach Children’s towards a greener, more sustainable out of service to the town they both Center, PO Box 596, Cannon Beach, future. loved. One of their favorite projects OR 97110.

Help Wanted • EXPERIENCED PROJECT Hardware knowledge is also required. Responsible MANAGER for directing all production, delivery and warehouse • EXPERIENCED DOOR AND team members. HARDWARE SALESPERSON Shop Fabricators, Craftsman Fabricators (All Locations) • SHOP FABRICATORS & FIELD Experienced craftsmen needed for our wood door INSTALLERS FOR DOORS departments, hollow metal departments and Timely FRAMES AND HARDWARE shops. All shops are fully equipped and organized. EASTERN REGIONAL SALES MANAGER CALPLY® Door Systems Division is an established Installers/Field Personnel (Phoenix) Hager Companies is seeking to fill the position of Eastern and growing architectural hardware distributor in CALPLY’s affiliate, Southwest Install & Rework, Regional Sales Manager for the Architectural Hardware the Southwest with facilities located in Phoenix, AZ, Inc., has openings for journeymen and apprentice Division. Must have the ability to oversee and manage Austin, TX, Las Vegas, NV and Pico Rivera, CA. We level craftsmen individuals for field installation established sales territories, meet sales quotas and are experiencing explosive growth and are seeking of commercial doors, frames and hardware. execute overall company goals. Candidates should have qualified professionals to join our winning team. Apprentice level candidates must have the a well-rounded background in the door and hardware We have multiple openings for multiple positions. attitude and aptitude to become part of a top industry, as well as experience in developing strategic notch installation team. sales and marketing plans and pricing. Project Manager (All Locations) Two years minimum experience in the door and Excellent working environments! Awesome Requirements: hardware industry. Able to prepare accurate and locations! These are challenging and rewarding • Undergraduate degree from an accredited university detailed submittal packages. Competent written and opportunities for motivated, energetic professionals. • 10+ years sales experience Competitive compensation and commissions for • 5+ years in the commercial door and hardware industry verbal communication skills. Self motivated problem • Solid organizational, communication and solver, able to handle multiple projects. Skilled at most positions, medical/dental insurance benefits, management skills providing caring and respectful customer service. paid vacation, sick and personal leave and 401(k). Background check and drug testing is required for • Demonstrated track record of sales success and Door and Hardware Salesperson/Estimator (All Locations) achievements Minimum two years experience in door, successful candidates. • Strong motivational skills hardware, and specialty sales. Enthusiastic and Send resume or work history in confidence to: Submit resumes to: self-motivated with attention to detail. Skilled at CALPLY® Door Systems Division HAGER COMPANIES providing caring and respectful customer service. Attention: Tim Eunice, Attn: Eric Klein Computer skills required. Vice President/General Manager 139 Victor St. Fax: (602) 470-4515 Operations Manager (Las Vegas) St. Louis, MO 63104 E-mail: [email protected] FAX: 314-771-0620 Experienced in shop practices in hollow metal, pre- www.calply.com E-mail: [email protected] finished metal frames, wood doors and wood frames.

80 DOORS AND HARDWARE • NOVEMBER 2006