The roofing industry is mourning the loss of one of its young, dynamic leaders — https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/97884-roofing-industry-mourns-loss-of-kevin-gwaltney-45 President Kevin Gwaltney.

Gwaltney, 45, died Sunday surrounded by family and friends at his home in Dodge City, Kan., according to his obituary. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb 2, at the Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City. Further details and a full obituary are expected to be shared shortly.

Gwaltney was part of RC’s inaugural class of Young Guns, appearing in the October 2012 edition. He said the roofing industry was immensely important to him and that from age 2 — when his father, Rick, started the family business — he wanted to be part of it. He also recognized the importance of being an example to draw other young talent into the profession.

“Roofing is in my blood and is my trade and I am very proud of that,” he told RC for that feature in 2012, barely a year after the taking the reins of the company following Rick’s sudden death. “It is important, as a roofing professional we run our companies with the highest integrity and professionalism. We all have the responsibility to improve the industry and make it attractive to next generation to become involved with integrity and professionalism.”

Gwaltney served as president of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) and recently served as the MRCA Foundation president. He was elected a director of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in 2020.

"Kevin loved his roofing brothers and sisters, the roofing industry, and he generously shared his time and knowledge," the MRCA wrote in an email. "Kevin always knew how to have fun but was very serious when it came time to work. He made Diamond Roofing a standout company in the industry and will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by co-workers and the entire industry. The MRCA family will be grieving his loss for a great deal of time."

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