A Tribute to My Father and Founder, Walt Custer
I am honored to share a tribute to my father, Walt Custer, founder, mentor, community builder, and a respected leader in the global electronics industry. His passing last year marked the loss of an extraordinary professional, but more importantly, a person whose guidance, curiosity, and integrity shaped both my life and career.
Walt was an industry analyst whose insight and expertise helped define market intelligence in electronics manufacturing. Prior to founding his own company, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Morton Electronic Materials, where he contributed to the growth of a global supplier supporting the PCB industry.
He was a dedicated and influential member of IPC for over four decades, beginning in 1978. As an early participant in the IPC Technology Marketing Research Council, he chaired the Data Collection Committee and contributed to the World Market Statistical Program. He later served as Vice Chairman of the T/MRC Steering Committee and Chairman of the IPC Printed Circuits Expo, helping advance collaboration and data-driven decision-making across the industry.
Walt also served as a Director of Coretec, Inc., Canada’s largest PCB manufacturer, from 2000 until its acquisition in 2010. He remained actively involved internationally as a Director with EIPC, continuing to support and strengthen the global PCB community.
His contributions were widely recognized. He received the IPC President’s Award in 1992 and was inducted into the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame in 2001. That same year, he was named one of the “10 Most Influential Persons in the PCB Industry,” reflecting the lasting impact of his work.
Throughout his career, my father valued sharing knowledge and staying connected to the industry. Together, we had the opportunity to speak at events, write articles, and collaborate on publications such as the weekly “Market Outlook” newsletter and Global SMT & Packaging’s “Business Outlook” column—experiences I will always value.
He held a B.A. in Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.S. in Physical Chemistry from Purdue University, which formed the foundation of his analytical approach and lifelong passion for the field.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, I will remember my father for his steady guidance, intellectual curiosity, and the example he set through his work and character. It is a privilege to continue building on the foundation he created and to carry forward the values he lived by.
Jon
In honor of my father’s contributions to the industry, I’ve included tributes and memorial articles shared by colleagues and organizations who had the privilege of working with him.
On Walt Custer’s Passing
Click to access Total-EIPC-SpeedNews-Issue-18-3.pdf
