C R England announced the April 9 death of Wayne A Cederholm II, the firm’s chief executive officer, from complications of a bone marrow transplant.
“His determination was incredible,” said Dean England, president of C R England. “Now he is free from the challenges he has faced for the last eight months. He faced this with the same class and strength he always displayed with every challenge he faced during his long career with our company. We will miss him beyond measure. He left a mark on this organization that will be imprinted forever. In spite of our sorrow, we honor him and pay tribute to a life well-lived.”
Cederholm joined C R England in 1980. Before his role as CEO, he served the company as chief operating officer, senior vice-president of North American operations, vice-president of administration, vice-president of safety and personnel, and was also the company’s first credit manager.
At the start of Cederholm’s career, C R England was an $18 million company. He was integral in helping to build the company to its current standings as a $1.5 billion organization and the world’s largest refrigerated carrier.
Cederholm worked hand in hand for more than 33 years with the England family, culminating in his lifetime dream of becoming CEO. His safety record included winning grand trophy safety awards three consecutive eligible years from the Truckload Carriers Association—unprecedented at the time.
He graduated from Granite High School in Salt Lake City UT in 1975, where he served as class president. He attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1978 with a BS in Communications. The Utah Jaycees was the first of many organizations he joined, and he was chairperson for the Downtown Christmas Parade. He served on the board of the Professional Truck Driver Institute as well as chairman for the Utah Safety Council. In 2003, he received the Heart and Hands Award from the Junior Achievement of Utah, for which he served on the board of directors.
His mother, LaRae Nicolo Cederholm, precedes him in death. He is survived by his wife Peeches; his children Tajha (Dave) Ferrara, Wayne (Katie) Cederholm III, and Dustin Cederholm; father Wayne (Mary) Cederholm I; his sister Shauna (Doug) Eldredge; four grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. Those interested in his courageous fight may visit his blog at www.waynecederholm.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions made to Junior Achievement of Utah at www.ja-Utah.org.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life at a wake April 12 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Funeral mass will be celebrated April 13 at 2 pm at St Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 Redondo Ave, Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave and “T” Street, Salt Lake City.
Online condolences may be offered and a memorial tribute can be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com.
