Erwin “Buck” Sweet, a founder, long-time member, and past president of the Concrete Foundations Association passed away Sunday, November 10, 2002 at his residence in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. He was 75 years of age.

Buck owned and operated Perma-Structo Inc. from 1965 until his retirement earlier this year. He gave of his time to his community as well as to his trade serving as past president of the Racine Kenosha Builders Association and as past president of the Village of Sturtevant. Buck was also a Boy Scout leader for numerous years.

Buck, like most members of the CFA, was always willing to share his knowledge and ideas with others. Perma-Structo Inc. won the “Basement of the Year” competition in 2001 and was recipient of the CFA Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year.

Buck Bartley of The Bartley Corporation said, “Buck Sweet was one of the important contributors in creating the PCWCA (Poured Concrete Wall Contractors Association), now the CFA. Buck Sweet was always an innovator, opening up the eyes of other members with his early adoption of shotcreting, cranes, waterproofing, lifetime basement guarantee’s, and a host of other ideas. No one was more important than Buck Sweet for creating a sustainable organization.” These thoughts were echoed by Bob Sawyer, the first Executive Director of the organization.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, three daughters, four stepchildren, and 18 grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew him in the CFA as well as his friends and family. Memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

Buck’s son-in-law Mark Beaudin put it best, “What you saw was what you got with Buck.” The CFA and all of his friends will miss him.