Obituaries
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 22, 2007
Clinton Woodrow Walker, Ethan Allen
Tucson, Ariz. — Clinton Woodrow Walker, a former president of Ethan Allen who retired from the company in 1987 after a 40-year career, has died at his home here. He was 89.
Walker, who served in the Army Air Force during World War II, began his Ethan Allen career at the Beecher Falls, Vt., plant in 1947 and was instrumental in building the company's manufacturing base. He became president of Ethan Allen in 1978, and also was a corporate director and vice chairman of the board.
"Clint retired from Ethan Allen in 1987, but continued to be a close friend and respected adviser," said Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen chairman and CEO. "On behalf of all of my colleagues, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family."
Walker also served as a director of the National Assn. of Furniture Manufacturers from 1968 to 1981.
He is survived by his wife, four daughters, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Donations may be made to Christ and Holy Trinity Church, 55 Myrtle Ave., Westport, Conn. 06880 or St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 65840, Tucson, Ariz. 85718.
James Hefner, founder, Friendship Upholstery
Taylorsville, N.C. — James Garfield "Tiny" Hefner, a founder and retired president of manufacturer Friendship Upholstery here, has died at age 74.
Hefner worked 25 years for other companies before starting the mid- to upper-priced Friendship Upholstery 35 years ago with his father, Pleas Hefner, and his brother-in-law, Ralph Miller.
He retired from the business two years ago. His son, Greg, took over as president about five years ago.
Survivors include his wife, his son, five sisters, three brothers and one grandchild.
Memorial donations may be made to the Family Life Center of Friendship Lutheran Church, 5300 Church Rd., Taylorsville, N.C. 28681.
Leonard M. MacLeod, World Sleep
Hillsboro, N.H. — Leonard M. MacLeod, plant manager for World Sleep Products in North Billerica, Mass., has died. He was 74.
MacLeod, an Army veteran, worked for the Warshaver family, owners of the company, for more than 58 years in various capacities.
In 1992, when the family started World Sleep Products, he became plant manager.
Survivors include his wife, two sons, four daughters and eight grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in MacLeod's memory to CRVNA Hospice House. P.O. Box 1797, Concord, NH 03302.
