Page 22 - Summer 2014 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Left to right: Evan Dawidowicz with his grandfather Eugene Henderson and his uncle Steve Henderson

When Evan Dawidowicz began his welding training last The recent Marcellus and Utica Shale exploration efforts have
summer in the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding been a boon for their business. Steve also does quite a bit of
Program, he was not the first in his family to walk through the welding fabrication and repair work.
doors of Hobart Institute. In 1951, Evan’s grandfather, Eugene
Henderson, attended the school under the G.I. Bill. He helped Evan, who is from suburban Connecticut, enjoyed his summer
pay for his education by working part time at Brumbaugh’s vacations visiting his grandparents, aunt and uncle, in their
Grocery / Restaurant in Troy. Eugene, now 85, retired after a rural Pennsylvania home. He would spend time with Uncle
very fulfilling welding career that began with working in the Steve working with the welders and other machinery in his
welding industry, obtaining a degree in vocational education shop. It was this exposure that influenced Evan to pursue a
from the University of Pittsburgh, and ended after over 25 career in welding. He hopes to land a position with one of the
years as a welding instructor at Cattaraugus County Board of large companies in the Connecticut area when he completes
Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). In 1993, Eugene his Hobart training.
was named Welding Instructor of the Year for New York State.
Evan enjoys playing hockey, a sport he excelled in during high
In the 1970s, Eugene’s son, Steve, who is Evan’s uncle, school, along with hunting and fishing.
followed in his father’s footsteps at Hobart Institute. Steve
worked in the welding industry for a number of years and Meanwhile, Steve is exploring the possibility of a return
now is the owner of the Henderson Resource Group LLC of to Hobart for continuing education to potentially become
Hazelhurst, Pennsylvania, with his son Michael. They work a certified welding inspector which would enhance his
closely as consultants with the oil and gas industry and with company’s business line. The welding trade has been good
the timber industry. for their family and they have always been able to find work.

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