We’re sad to share the news that Bill McGlinchey, long-time Clean Fuels Ohio Board member and President of AFV International, passed away a few weeks ago. Bill had waged a battle with cancer over the past several years.
Bill was a giant in the industry for 40 years. He began doing early conversions of conventional vehicles to CNG in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Much of Bill’s work informed early evolution and improvement of these technologies. He did much of his early work out of a shop in Bexley, Ohio. Then, he spent several years as a lead trainer with the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium at the University of West Virginia, before returning to Ohio about 20 years ago to start up AFV International.
In his heart, Bill was a teacher and mentor – one of the best (if not the best) in the industry. In addition to many domestic assignments, he traveled the world conducting training. He was most at home turning wrenches with technicians in a shop anywhere. He also had a heart of gold, and unsurpassed passion for this industry and its positive impact on the world.
Despite the cancer’s physical toll, Bill remained sharp and ever passionate through his final days. His good friend and colleague, Jim Rike, told me about a recent trip he and Bill made to Central Ohio Transit Authority. Bill could barely get out of the car but when it came time to work with the COTA personnel, a switch flipped, and his passion and subject-matter command shined.
Jim also shared a story about a new training manual he and Bill worked on from 2019 through 2021. Jim said it was easy to see the mark Bill made on so many others, even in parts Bill didn’t contribute himself.
He will be greatly missed. His commitment to a safe industry saved lives, and truly made the world a better place. A fitting tribute would be to quote Bill’s own “Message from the President” added to the 2021 Training Manual:
