Warren "Dick" Conklin Apgar's Obituary
Warren C. (Dick) Apgar, maritime industry executive, former President of the Board of Trade and New Orleans civic leader, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Loved and highly respected by all who knew him, he honored life itself. A New Jersey native, he was an avid world traveler, devotee of history, and enthusiastic reader. He appreciated working and raising his family in New Orleans and later residing in Covington. Beloved husband of the late Leah Mae Jackson Apgar, Warren Apgar was the devoted father of Donna Apgar and Judith Apgar Webb and grandfather of David L. Webb and the late Michael J. Webb. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Jessica Webb Runyan and Christopher Webb. Warren Apgar graduated from Columbia University Business School. He was a Major in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Pentagon as Office Chief of Transportation in the OIC Operations Branch Water Division. Prior to the Pentagon, he served as Water Division Superintendent in Mobile, Alabama. His professional career revolved around the maritime industry. He worked for the Lykes Bros. Steamship Company and Parry Navigation Company in New York City before moving to New Orleans to assume his position as Executive Vice President of T. Smith & Son, Stevedoring/Terminal Operations and the Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. He was President of the Casey Corporation, Barge owners/operators and T. Smith and Son, Texas, ship Terminal Operations. He served as President and Director of Baton Rouge Marine Contractors and was an officer and director of various companies of the maritime industry including: Riise Shipping Co., Plimsoll Marine and Waterfront Contracting Company. He was an active member of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators and a lifetime Honorary Director of the New Orleans Board of Trade. Mr. Apgar was President and Director of the New Orleans Board of Trade from 1964-1965 and was instrumental in construction of the award winning Board of Trade Plaza. His civic Board of Directors positions also included the National Association of Stevedores, Vice President and Director, the New Orleans Traffic & Transportation Bureau, Vice President and Director, International House, the Propeller Club, the International Trade Mart and the New Orleans Better Business Bureau. He also participated in several social club memberships in New Orleans, New York City and Covington. He was proud to be honored by the Sons of the American Revolution for his 62 years of membership. He was a former “Reader” in First Church of Christ, Scientists in New Orleans.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend memorial services at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 25, 2009 at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433.
Visiting hours will begin at 9:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Essential Tremor Foundation in Warren C. Apgar’s name. www.essentialtremor.org/donate. International Essential Tremor Foundation. 888-387-3667.
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