It is with sadness that we confirm the passing of Hans Koch, who passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at his home in Edgewood, Washington. He was 87 years old.
Born in Stendal, Germany in 1937, his early years was spent surviving WW2 and later occupancy by Russia. Koch was a rising soccer star in his Germany before escaping to England with his mother and then immigrating to Toronto, Canada at the age of 17. As he pursued his passion for athletics, Koch developed a strong work ethic and interest in the packaging industry, working nights and weekends at Domtar Packaging while putting himself through high school and college. After seven years in Toronto, Koch was promoted and moved his family to Calgary.
Belkin Packaging convinced Koch and family to move again to Vancouver, BC as Director of Manufacturing. Enticed by his Sales Manager to form a partnership, his first experience in ownership was a sheet plant, Boxmaster in Vancouver. Owning and operating a sheet plant convinced him of the need for a reliable source of sheets.
One of Koch’s most significant contributions to the packaging industry was the development of independent sheet feeder partnerships. Founding Corrugated Synergies in 1998, CSI designed, built and managed over 14 sheet feeders/box plants with more than 100 partners.
This strong work ethic and drive to succeed would foreshadow the impressive 50+ year career that lay ahead for Koch. Over the course that half-century in addition to sheet feeders across the US and Canada, he owned and operated Allpak Packaging, Trojan Litho, Crown Packaging, CBC Corrugated and numerous other businesses. Koch was known for his innovative approach, tireless work ethic, and business acumen.
He was deeply committed to his community as well, being a generous philanthropist who supported causes close to his heart, including his love of animals. He also mentored many young professionals in the packaging industry, sharing his expertise and helping them develop their careers. He maintained contact with his long-time business partners, customers and friends until the very end.
Koch’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the companies he built, and the values he instilled in others. He will be remembered as a strong leader, a caring mentor, and a loving family man who lived life with purpose and compassion.
Koch was preceded in death by his mother Anna, his father Georg, and brother Felix. He is survived by his sister, Sylvia, his three children Doreen, Ralph and Gregory and their mother Karin.
Memorials can be sent to one of Hans’ favorite causes, The Old Harbor Scholarship Fund, Old Harbor, Alaska, and the American Cancer Society in Hans name.
