Thank you, Wyatt Wilson

For those who have worked on the manufacturing side of the dental industry, it is often joked that once you're "in," it's hard to ever leave. The industry, while robust, is small enough to feel like an extended family and tradeshows serve as occasional family reunions. For this reason, when someone in the industry passes away, it truly hits home.

It was just a month or so ago that I sat across from Wyatt Wilson, VP/COO of ACTEON North America, at a dinner celebrating the opening of the Patterson Technology Center. He was quite the character - warm, funny and unafraid to challenge me on a variety of topics. I was so thankful for the exchange, as it represents the type of relationship and interaction I'd love to have with all the manufacturers we work with.

I was deeply saddened to hear that Wyatt - someone with so much zest for life - passed away this weekend. The official release is below. Our condolences are with the Wilson family and the Acteon family as they move forward from this great loss...

It is with deep sadness and regret that we report the passing of Wyatt Wilson, VP/COO of ACTEON North America.  He passed away suddenly December 10th, 2011 at his home in Sewell, NJ.  Wyatt Wilson was the vice president/COO of ACTEON North America, overseeing its dental, medical, and veterinary business dealings for the United States and Canada.  Prior to becoming the vice president/COO, a position he’s held for the past 7 years, he served as the company’s national sales manager and vice president of sales and marketing.  Wyatt’s energy and leadership was the driving force behind ACTEON North America’s success and we will all miss him as a leader, work colleague and friend after his many years of loyal service to this company.  Wyatt’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled but those of us who knew him have all been made better by the honor of his association.