Goodbye from 2022 Retired Member

from 2022 Goodbye

Retired NLGI Member

As we say goodbye to the wonderful members that have been a part of NLGI, let’s hear from 2022 retirees on what NLGI has meant to them over the years.

Andy Waynick, NCH Corporation

On October 1, 2022, I retired from full-time employment. What a ride it has been! After receiving my Master’s in Physical Chemistry from Purdue University in 1977, I began my professional career as a research chemist. It began with two years as a food chemist at Land O’ Lakes. Then on to International Harvester, 17 years at Amoco Oil Company, and over 7 years at Southwest Research Institute. For more than 45 years I have had the privilege to work with wonderful scientists from which I learned so much, especially during my early years. Most of those who read this will know me for my work in fluid lubricants and lubricating greases. Over the years, I have been fortunate to be placed in a position to develop new technology in polyurea, simple calcium soap, simple lithium soap, lithium complex, aluminum complex, and calcium sulfonate-based greases. But I also have been able to work in fuel chemistry, especially distillate fuels and biodiesel. In fact, most of my over 40 published research papers have been in those areas rather than in lubricants. Being able to work equally in fuels and lubricants has been an objective from very early in my career for the very simple reason that virtually no one else has done it. Somehow, I have been able to achieve that objective. I have also been very fortunate to have received 42 U.S. patents with several others ready to issue in the coming months. It was never a goal of mine to receive so many patents, but it just seemed to happen.

And I continue to work. I am currently fulfilling a contractual obligation as a technical consultant. My work on the NLGI Membership Committee will also continue. As of January 1, 2023, I will assume responsibility as the Technical Editor of the Spokesman, an opportunity that has me very excited. I also plan to continue to present papers at the NLGI annual meetings.

Those new to the lubricating grease industry may think such accomplishments are the centerpiece of my career. But those who have been around for a while will know better! My personal interactions with friends and colleagues, especially within the NLGI, are the things that matter most to me. And that will not end anytime soon. On another personal front, my wife and I plan to spend more time with our five grand-daughters and my first grandson (due to be born near the end of this November). And then there is my other great love: the trombone. I plan to spend more time playing it at special events at church and other occasions. So, although technically speaking, I am retired, please do not think of me as being put out to pasture. I plan to wear out, not rust out.