From the Editor
Over the course of any given year, we normally receive around three death notices. This week, we have the unprecedented and sad responsibility to pass along three at one time.
These three individuals have each contributed significantly to Arizona A/E/C in a variety of ways, and our community is better for their having been with us.
We wish their families, friends and co-workers peace and comfort as they move forward, and to what powers may be, we offer our gratitude for having known them and benefitted from their years of service.
With sincerest sympathies,
Roland Murphy, on behalf of the entire BEX Family
Sheila Smith
By Arrington Watkins Architects
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Sheila Smith’s passing on Dec. 29 while in hospice care.
Sheila was an integral part of Arrington Watkins Architects for 18 years. She worked as an Admin for many years, moved to Marketing Coordinator, and eventually into Business Development. Although she was great at her job over those years, she really excelled in the BD role. Her natural interest and affection for people and her desire to participate and volunteer allowed her to build strong personal and professional connections.
She became a Professional Business Developer through a program offered by the local Business Development Guild. Her contributions to the business development community were lasting, and she will always be remembered for her ambition and meaningful impact. Sheila was promoted to an Associate in the company, participating in strategically driving the company. She was the “face” of our company to many local cities and companies.
Sheila was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2023. She went through a variety of difficult treatments but retained her outgoing personality, always more interested in the people around her than in herself. She is survived by her husband Pat, her son Sean and their extended family. Services are scheduled for Jan. 16.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheila’s name to the Barrow Neurological Foundation at https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/ivybraintumorcenter. To donate to Sean’s college fund, contact Matthew Gorman at AW.
John M. Ritoch
By ACEC Arizona
John M. Ritoch, co-founder of Ritoch Powell and Associates, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2024. John and his business partner Rick formed their company in 1978 and designed many public works projects for Arizona cities, counties, ADOT, and local governments. RPA was sold in 2004, at which time John and Rick retired. John was a former president of APWA, active in ACEC and Rotary, and a recipient of ADOT’s Legacy Award.
There will be an informal celebration of John’s life on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Bellair Golf Park (45th Ave and Bell) in north Phoenix from 1:00-3:00 pm with family and friends. All are welcome.
Steve Gubin
By Wilson Electric via Arizona Builders Alliance
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Steve Gubin, one of the original founders of Wilson Electric.
A pioneer in the industry, Gubin was an influential leader with an intrinsic talent for conceptualizing and communicating vision. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation and hard work. He was an extraordinarily smart and accomplished entrepreneur who built a company that still represents and practices the same principles he used to create the company culture. Under his leadership, Wilson became one the largest and most successful electrical contractors in the state of Arizona. His management style placed employees as its most important asset, and he led by example and was highly respected by employees.
Steve was one of the leaders in the merger of AGC and ABC forming today’s Arizona Builders Alliance.
His strong work ethic, commitment to clients and belief that his colleagues were integral to both his personal and the company’s success made him truly one of a kind.
He was deeply loved by his family and friends and it can’t be put into words the loss that will be felt by his passing. In addition to his family, those of us who had the opportunity to work with him will also feel a tremendous loss.