by
APICS CEO Abe Eshkenazi CSCP, CPA, CAE | 0 | 0 | September 28, 2012
It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of J.R. Tony Arnold, CFPIM, CIRM, on September 21. Arnold was an author, educator, practitioner, and APICS volunteer, and his contributions to APICS and the entire supply chain and operations management community are immeasurable and enduring.
Arnold dedicated much of his career to furthering the APICS body of knowledge. He authored
Introduction to Materials Management, one of the preeminent textbooks in the field. In addition, Arnold contributed greatly to the APICS Basics of Supply Chain Management course and the Fundamentals of Materials and Operations Management series.
The impact of Arnold’s contributions to the supply chain and operations management profession cannot be overstated. He understood that well-designed materials management activities are integral to the success of manufacturing. His textbook ensured all members of supply chain and operations management teams had a common understanding of the factors that contribute to an efficient flow of materials.
To honor his memory, the APICS Board of Directors with the APICS Educational and Research Foundation has established a fund in the name of J.R. Tony Arnold. The
fund has been created to further the supply chain and operations management profession, and the APICS board has initially committed $250,000.
“We are hopeful that, through this fund, Tony’s legacy of excellence will live on for years to come,” APICS Board of Directors Chair Marc Harris, CPIM, CSCP, said.
Throughout his long career and involvement with APICS, Arnold gave tirelessly of his time and talent to introduce many young minds to the APICS body of knowledge as professor and mentor to his students at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. In 2009, APICS presented Arnold with the APICS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Arnold grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and was educated at Royal Roads Military College, Royal Military College, and the University of Toronto. Arnold served with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Words from Arnold’s obituary reflect the kind of person he was: “Tony always wore a smile and would not want people to mourn him.” Arnold was dearly loved by his wife, Vicky, and his daughter, Libby, and my deepest condolences go out to them.
Please take some time in the comments section on our website or on the APICS Supply Chain Channel to share how Arnold or his work influenced you in your life and your career.