Saint John Business Leader Dies

One of New Brunswick’s well-known business leaders has died.

Hans W. Klohn passed away Wednesday in Saint John at the age of 92.

Klohn came to New Brunswick from Kiel, Germany, in 1952 and co-founded Ocean Steel and Construction Ltd. (OSCO) with K.C. Irving in 1955.

He was named an honorary life member of the Saint John Construction Association and selected by the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute as a titan of the industry.

Klohn was awarded an honorary science degree from the University of New Brunswick in 2011 and inducted as a member of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame.

In a statement, John Irving, CEO of OSCO Construction Group, described Klohn as one of his father’s closest friends and an exceptional partner.

Irving said he had the benefit of working with Klohn for more than 40 years and he will be greatly missed.

Klohn quietly supported many charities, according to his obituary, including the Lutheran Church, the Saint John Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, Romero House and the Children’s Wish Foundation.

His obituary reads he will now be reunited with his beloved wife of 67 years, Anke.

Klohn is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Due to current circumstances surrounding public gatherings, a formal celebration of life will be held at a later date.