Michael Leon Britain, a longtime employee of Utility Trailer Manufacturing and US Liner Co, died unexpectedly Aug 17, 2007, at his home. He was 53. Born May 23, 1953, in Pittsfield MA to Robert L and Elizabeth Boudo Britain, he was a graduate of North Adams State College in North Adams MA. He was a decorated veteran who spent eight years in the United States Navy. Britain served in several capacities for Utility Trailer for more than 24 years, and most recently for the past several years with US Liner developing a dealer network and aftermarket programs. Visitation was held August 21 at French Mortuary in Albuquerque NM, with interment in the Santa Fe (NM) National Cemetery.
Neil Valentine, director of material planning at Dana Corp's Commercial Vehicle Systems group in Kalamazoo MI, died Aug 16, 2007, from injuries incurred in an accident in late July. He was 57. Valentine was with the commercial vehicle divisions of Eaton and Dana for 33 years, holding management positions in sales and operations. As director of global sales, he spearheaded Dana's commercial vehicle efforts in China over the past three to four years. He is survived by his wife, Christine (DeVries) Valentine of South Haven MI; and two children, Nicholas Valentine of Boston MA and Laura Valentine of Madison WI.