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H. Wilson Sundt

Posted 2008-05-16 by Edward Peed
H. Wilson Sundt ("Unky" to his family and close friends) passed away May 12, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Wenonah, New Jersey on July 5, 1932 to Thoralf M. and Elinor Sundt.

He is survived by his wife, Dottie, brother Robert (Frances), children Tom, Jerry (Rebecca), and Perri Touche (Steve), six grandchildren-Ashley Khristen, Patrick, Gary, Sydney and Ellie-niece Laura Sundt-Eberly and nephew John Sundt.

Wilson graduated from Tucson High School, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in 1954.

Following graduation from the U of A, where he was first in his class, he served as an officer in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He and his wife, Dottie, lived there for two years.

He first worked for M.M. Sundt Construction Co. in 1948 during summer school breaks. (Wilson's grandfather founded the company in 1890.) He returned to work for the company in 1957 when his military service ended, and stayed for the rest of his career.

He retired in 1999 as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Under Wilson's leadership the company grew to be one of the 100 largest general contractors in the United States, and was involved in the construction of many buildings on the University of Arizona campus and numerous landmark projects, including Launch Pad 39-A at Cape Canaveral and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The firm is now known as Sundt Construction, Inc.

Wilson was also well known for his community leadership. He was a member of the Tucson Conquistadors, and served on the Tucson Airport Authority board for many years, both as a member and as its chairman.

He also had a long tenure on the Tucson Electric Power Board, which the company recognized a few years ago by renaming its Irvington Road Power Plant the "H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station." Wilson also served on the Boards of Magma Copper, Schuff Steel, and The University of Arizona Foundation.

Wilson was recognized for his accomplishments with numerous awards. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce recognized his business leadership in 1989 with its first "Free Enterprise Award." The University of Arizona twice recognized him, once in 1982 as a "Distinguished Citizen," and in 1989 with a Medallion awarded to "Outstanding graduates contributing to business, public, cultural and educational fields in their community and nation."

He was also honored by Tucson High School as an outstanding graduate, and was a member of its Badger Hall of Fame. On May 1, 2008, Wilson and his brother received the 2008 Arizona Construction Industry Pioneer Award from the Construction Financial Management Association.

In 2000, he was the recipient of the "Founders Award," presented by the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. That same year, he and his brother Bob, both former Eagle Scouts, were honored with the Building Industry's "Good Scout" award, given by the Catalina Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Wilson will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, friend and business leader.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Advocacy Fund, UofA Foundation, P.O. Box 245123, Tucson, AZ 85724. There will be a memorial service Saturday, May 24, 2008 10:00 a.m., at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell Ave.

Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 5/16/2008.




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