The Nonwovens Institute wishes to honor the life and contributions of Rory Holmes, who passed away on April 24 at the age of 79.

Following an almost 30 year career in industry where he held a variety of roles across operations, research, technology, sales, and marketing at Johnson & Johnson and then Chicopee/PGI Nonwovens, Holmes joined what was then known as the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC, now NWI) in 2001 as the center’s Associate Director responsible for Technology Transfer.  After two years of extensive contributions to NCRC, Rory joined INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, as President where he would serve for almost 10 years during a period of dynamic growth for the industry.  After retiring from INDA, Holmes would begin a “fourth act” of his career as a private consultant across all aspects of the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry.

Illustrating his technical contributions, Holmes received the Hoffmann Award for Research & Development and the Johnson Medal for development and commercialization of the Johnson & Johnson line of Operating Room Gown & Drape fabrics.  He holds multiple patents in the fields of Nonwovens and Engineered Fabrics.

His passion, generosity, and unwavering dedication left a lasting mark on NWI and the broader nonwovens community.

“Rory joined NWI as Associate Director following his retirement from Polymer Group International (PGI) and quickly became an integral part of the Institute’s growth and success,” said NWI’s Executive Director Emeritus Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D.  “He played a pivotal role in the development and commissioning of NWI’s first spunbond/meltblown and hydroentangling pilot facilities, helping to establish critical infrastructure that continues to support research, education, and industry collaboration. In addition to his technical contributions, Rory was deeply committed to education – he actively participated in training programs, shared his extensive industry knowledge, and mentored numerous students and young professionals, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in the nonwovens field. His passion, generosity, and unwavering dedication left a lasting mark on NWI and the broader nonwovens community. He will be greatly missed.”

“Rory will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for the way he connected with people,” noted his colleagues at INDA,  “He was known as someone who would readily lend a hand, offer guidance, and bring a sense of warmth and humor to every interaction.”  During his tenure, he helped shape INDA’s future by launching new events, expanding corporate membership, growing revenue, and enhancing the association’s services, research, and communications.  Holmes was awarded the INDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 in recognition of his many technical and industry contributions.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Holmes earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid golfer, fisherman, and sportsman, and a trusted mentor and friend to many.