Skippack, PA - It is with a heavy heart that we remember Paul Yerk, Jr., who passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones. Paul was 87 years young and would wish to be remembered as such.
Paul was deeply connected to the foundations and fabric of Haines & Kibblehouse, Inc. (H&K) through his partnership with close friends and founders of H&K, John B. Haines IV and John R. “Jack” Kibblehouse. The 1970’s marked a critical period in the history of H&K as it featured acquisition of numerous construction materials companies that would go on to set the framework for H&K’s success for decades to come. Paul was one of the founding partners of HYK Construction Company, Inc. (HYK), which formed in 1973 between friends, John B. Haines IV, Paul Yerk, Jr. and Jack Kibblehouse.
In keeping with H&K’s efforts to control the supply of high quality construction materials products to their contracting projects, the HYK trio would form Rahns Construction Materials Company (RAHNS) in 1974 in Rahns, Pennsylvania at an established ready-mix concrete operation originally owned and operated by Paul’s father-in-law, Raymond B. Long. In the years that followed, RAHNS would open numerous ready-mix concrete plants across H&K’s business footprint. The HYK trio also formed Rahns Trucking, Inc. in 1999 as a construction materials hauling company. Both RAHNS and Rahns Trucking, Inc. continue to be celebrated as proud H&K Group affiliate companies to this day, with RAHNS remaining the region’s premier supplier of both ready-mix and precast concrete.
The humble beginnings of a small family business that would grow into an industry titan, and the emphasis on entrusting a company’s future to new generations of family leadership, are two things that rings incredibly true to us here at H&K, just as they did to Paul. He is fondly remembered as a partner, friend, gentle spirit and true legend in the ready-mix and precast concrete and bulk materials transport industries. Paul’s legacy will live on forever with his friends and family at H&K.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Yerk family, the RAHNS family and all of our friends and associates at Indian Valley Bulk Carriers, where Paul served as owner and President.