COON RAPIDS, Minn. - Mark J. Lien, 45, formerly of Grenada, Miss., died in an automotive accident Jan. 25, 2006, immediately after attending the AHR Expo in Chicago. He had been with Outokumpu Heatcraft in Grenada, Miss., for 20 years, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing. He recently had been with Super Radiator Coils, Chaska, Minn.

In business, his understanding of the coil and heat transfer market was widely appreciated. "He was a good friend and former supervisor," said Billy Griffin of Heatcraft. "I thank him for all he has done for me in my career."

Lien was instrumental in developing manufacturing software at Heatcraft, "that was able to put the phrases ‘Made to Fit' and ‘the industry's shortest lead times' in the same truthful sentence," according to Campbell-Sevey Inc., Minnetonka.

"He was the boss for 11 years, but more than a boss, he was a friend," said Deborah Fly from Heatcraft. "He will be missed by all who knew him."

"I respected Mark for his honesty," said Bob Semchuk, president of Heatcore Inc., Calgary, Alberta.

"He was a straight shooter, and I never had to wonder what was on his mind."

Lien is survived by parents Jackie Lien and May Harris; daughters Angie Javis and Andrea Lien and their mother, Laura Sharp; fiancée Mary Berg and her children, Jessica, Sara, and Kyle; stepson Marshall Flemons; grandson Jarrod; sisters Dawn Kable and Sandy Ondracek; and ex-wife Billie Dover.

Publication date: 02/13/2006