ACKWORTH, GA.—He spent his entire business career of 47 years in the carpet industry and achieved the highest measure of success—president of the largest manufacturer in the business. He began in the family distributing firm and became the youngest president of a major mill at the time. Jack Paton was an astute businessman, an outstanding salesman and a dedicated friend to colleagues and competitors. He was still involved when he was stricken with lung cancer and on Feb. 20 succumbed to the illness after a brief battle. He was 70.

Born Andrew John Paton on July 17, 1938, in Worcester, Mass., he was known as Jack throughout his life. In 1956, he graduated from Milford High School in Milford, N.H., where he was an outstanding athlete in three varsity sports. He graduated from Columbia University in 1960 and soon entered the U.S. Army, where he attained the rank of First Lieutenant. After he received an honorable discharge from military service in 1962, he joined his stepfather, Richard Merrill, in the distributing firm Masters & Merrill of Everett, Mass.

Young Paton worked diligently and learned quickly, and in 1966 he joined E.T. Barwick Mills as Atlanta district manager; two years later he became national sales manager. Then, in 1974, he was named president of the largest carpet mill in America— Barwick’s volume exceeded $200 million—and he was 36 years old, the industry’s youngest president of a major manufacturer.

In 1977, Barwick had some serious problems with the Securities & Exchange Commission resulting in the resignation of several executives. Paton then formed Eagle Carpet Mills and served as its president; he later was with Lotus Carpet and in the mid-‘90s he founded and was CEO of Paton Industries. He was still actively consulting at the time of his death.

“Jack was soft-spoken, warm and considerate, always ready to help. He was a friend to so many and an inspiration to all of us,” said Henry Winkler of Floor Covering Inspection Services, North Kansas City, Mo. Paton was active in the Carpet Trade Golf Association and regularly attended its functions.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; sons John, Jeff and Craig; nine grandchildren, and a brother, Leland Paton.

Contributions may be made to the A.J. “Jack” Paton Memorial Fund and sent to The Floor Covering Industry Foundation, 2211 E. Howell Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806-6009.