The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is mourning the loss of Wayne Tobiasson, a building science teacher and adviser to the NRCA. Tobiasson passed away on Aug. 14 at the age of 81.

Tobiasson studied at Northeastern University, Boston, where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He later moved to and eventually stayed in Hanover, N.H., where he earned a master’s degree in engineering from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. Following college, he worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) for 39 years, and in 1992 was named Engineer of the Year for his work with national snow load research and standards design.

Upon retiring in 1997, he continued to consult on specialty topics and provided multiple contributions. That same year, he received the American Society of Civil Engineers “CAN-AM Civil Engineering Amity Award.” He spoke at conventions, conferences, and symposia and created numerous short courses on roofing for the Roofing Industry Educational Institute (RIEI).

Tobiasson received the Roofing Alliance’s William C. Cullen Fellowship Award in 1998 for research regarding venting steep-slope, compact roof systems. His research with the CRREL and guidance he personally provided to NRCA served as technical basis for the NRCA’s positions on ice damming and attic ventilation for steep-slope roof assemblies as well as vapor retarder usage in low-slope roof assemblies.

Along with his role with the NRCA, Tobiasson served as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers; past chairman of the ASCE Task Committee on Snow and Rain Loads; past president of the Eastern Snow Conference; 1996 chairman of the Federal Roofing Committee; an honorary member of the IIBEC (formerly the REI); and a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of New Hampshire.

Tobiasson is survived by his wife, and their three daughters and their families. Donations made in memory of Tobiasson can be sent to Maine Island Trails or your favorite charity.