DUCKBACK.

tion with current users, while attracting new customers with a fresh, vibrant appearance alongside a message that focuses not only on the product itself, but the product in its environment.

"The rebranding is a result of an aggressive re-evaluation on how we reach consumers in various markets, and we are very proud of the end product," said Steve McGarr, v.p. of sales & marketing.

Lyle Schafer, 88, owner of Ace Hardware, Napa, Ca., died August 2l in Napa.

He previously managed Santa Cruz Lumber, Santa Cruz, Ca., and Minton's Lumber & Supply, Mountain View. Ca.. where he was honored as National Brand Names Retailer of the Year. He bought his own Ace store in 1976 and was later named Ace Hardware Man of the Year.

He was a past president of both the California Pacific Southwest Hardware Association and the Lumber Merchant's Association of Northern California (now known as the Lumber Association of California & Nevada).

Michael Fred "Mike" Beymer, 65, longtime Northwest lumber trader, died Oct.4 in Portland, Or.

He was the state calf roping champion in his senior year of high school, and attended Oregon State University on a basketball scholarship.

He began his 45-year lumber career in college and continued when he moved to Portland in 1965 and got a job as a mailroom clerk for GeorgiaPacific. He was soon promoted to sales, then worked for Herron Forest Products, American International Forest Products, owned and operated Summit Creek Forest Products, then rejoined AIFP. He finished his career with Rayonier International Wood Products, Idaho Pacific, and Shamrock Trading.

Kenneth G. Steving,69, co-owner of New Home Building Supply, Sacramento, Ca., died of cancer Sept. 24.

He earned an associate degree at Sacramento City College and had planned to study chemistry at U.C. Berkeley, but instead devoted himself to the family business.

Mr. Steving spent 30 years as manager of New Home Building Supply, which he owned and ran with his brother, Wayne. They took over from their father. Alfred. who founded the company in 1949.

Emma Katherine Proctor. 89. former co-owner of Paradox Lumber, Paradox. Co.. died Oct. 6 in Paradox.

She owned and operated the business with her husband. Robert. who died in 1998.

Joseph A. ttJoett Truax,81,longtime employee of Edward Hines Lumber Co., Seneca, Or., died Oct. 7 in Walla Walla, Wa.

He began his career at Hines Lumber in 1947 at age 18, feeding the jaws of a rock crusher.