William J Raymann Jr

A funeral mass for William J Raymann Jr, 77, will take place at 11:30am on 5 June at St Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.

Among accolades, he received "inner circle" recognition from the Clark Material Handling Co and left a rich legacy within the forklift industry. He was with Clark in sales positions for 25 years prior to his retirement in 2007.

"A consummate pro in our industry, Bill was known for both his success as an absolute sales professional as well as a personality that was unforgettable," says Scott Johnson, vice president of business development for Lexington, Kentucky-based Clark Material Handling. "His accomplishments in representing and selling Clark products are second to none."

Raymann kept key stakeholders in mind in each business transaction, according to a friend, David Schneckenburger, president of dealership Thompson & Johnson Equipment Co Inc of East Syracuse, New York. Routinely, "Bill Raymann sold what was good for the customer, the dealer and the manufacturer."

Schneckenburger adds, "Bill epitomised the type of national account manager who engaged and dealt with both the dealer and the customer in a professional and fair manner. Known for working out of his basement office ? aka the Coal Bin ? Bill worked the long hours necessary to be successful."

Former colleague Robert E Quinn Jr remembers: "Bill was a mentor/coach for many of the young Clark salesmen and their sales manager. He averaged 400 units sold a year the last four years he worked for me in national accounts." Quinn operates materials handling equipment consultancy Quinn & Associates LLC in Lexington.

Raymann was born in Washington, Indiana on 25 February 1937 and died at home in Chicago on 1 June 2014. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; sons William and Daniel; daughters Coleen and Samantha; and nine grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Church, 3546 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60657; Rainbow Hospice, 1550 Bishop Ct, Mt Prospect, IL 60056; or a charity of the donor's choice.