Hazmat Nation readers will know Richard Cartwright as the author of Today in Hazmat History. Cartwright died April 21 from an unexpected medical emergency. He was, as friends describe him, a legend in the hazmat and environmental community.
Long-time friend and colleague Michelle Bowman wrote this tribute on LinkedIn’s Hazardous Materials Professionals’ discussion group.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of Richard Cartwright — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a true legend in the environmental and hazardous materials management community.
For the past 12 years, Rich served as the host of our EnviroWorkshops and EnviroClass webinars, bringing not only his brilliance in chemistry, environmental compliance, and EHS solutions to every session — but also his humor, and boundless energy.
Rich wasn’t just an expert — he was a storyteller. I’ll never forget the trip we took together to Niagara Falls with his wife, Phyllis, where we received a first-class “Rich Cartwright” science and history lesson on the Love Canal Disaster. His passion for the environment, his gift for teaching, and his heart for people were truly unmatched.
Over his incredible career, Rich served as:
- A Global Goodwill Ambassador for the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP)
- A past AHMP National President and Pete Cook Founders Award recipient
- A recognized Fellow of IHMM, AHMP, and APICSA mentor to thousands of CHMM students over the past 37 years
- A leader in dozens of LinkedIn communities and environmental networks
And most of all, a champion for the next generation of environmental professionals
One of the last things Rich told me was that he wanted to “pass the torch” to the next generation — to continue the great work of protecting our planet for future generations. That’s the legacy he leaves behind.
Rich’s personality was as big as his resume — gregarious, fun, deeply generous, and always ready with a story, a joke, or a wise word. His absence will be felt deeply across the entire industry.
Bowman asks that those wishing to honor Cartwright’s legacy can do so by planting a tree. “He would have loved that,” she wrote. She also asked that people “share a story or tribute in the comments about how Rich impacted your life or career.” You can do so on this LinkedIn thread.
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management said of Cartwright that “his enthusiasm in connecting people in the environmental world is unmatched in anyone’s experience.”
“We were devastated to learn of Rich’s passing,” says Hazmat Nation founder Phil Ambrose. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. We are grateful for all he did for us and we will miss him dearly.”
Cartwright posted the day’s hazmat historical events daily on the Hazardous Materials Professionals’ discussion group. He shared his data with Hazmat Nation so we could further spread highlights from our interesting and shared past. Hazmat Nation plans to continue running Today in Hazmat History to honor Cartwright’s work, dedication to hazmat and memory.His family is planning a celebration of life in June. You can get more information on his arrangements here.
