|
December 23, 2002
 Morris Wax
Cofounder
Morris Wax was born in Utah in 1920 and attended Utah public schools. He had an older brother, Harry Wax, who passed away in 1978.
In February of 1941 he joined the Army as an enlisted man, and was commissioned from Officers Candidate School, Fort Knob, as a 2nd Lieutenant in December of 1942. He served a tour of duty in Europe (1944-45) as Captain in the 25th Tank Battalion, 14th Armored Division.
After the war, Morris joined his brother Harry in San Diego as partner in San Diego Janitor Supply, which Harry has founded in 1945. He was recalled by the Army for the Korean War, and served as a Major in Post Command, Camp Cooke, California. Six months later he separated from the Army because his wife had health challenges. Morris stayed in the Army reserves until 1954. He was the recipient of the Department of the Navy Meritorious Public Service Award in July 1994. He was also awarded the Bronze Star on December 29, 1944 for meritorious service in action as the Battalion supply officer in France. Wax was cited for his sound judgment and untiring efforts.
In 1954, San Diego Janitor Supply was incorporated as WAXIE’s Enterprises, Inc. In 1957 the two brothers moved the company to a 15,000 square foot building at the corner of 1st Avenue and G Street. In 1978, the company moved to its present location in Kearny Mesa. Wax served as the President of Waxie Sanitary Supply from 1971-1986 and Chairman from 1986-1996.
Wax was also heavily involved with the sanitary supply industry. He was a member of the International Sanitary Supply Association and served as their Director from 1985-1987. He was also a member of the International Sanitary Supply Foundation Board.
The longtime San Diegan was widely known as a strong supporter of local business and was an active contributor to the community. Wax volunteered countless hours of service to, and served in leadership positions in various civic, charitable and patriotic organizations for nearly half a century. The two areas he most actively participated in were the USO (both locally and nationally) and the Navy League. He also served as the chairman of three ship commissionings: the USS JOHN PAUL JONES, USS ESSEX, and USS BENFOLD.
In 1996, the company celebrated its 50th year in business with a surprise birthday celebration honoring Wax for his 50 years of service to the company and to the sanitary supply industry. Morris Wax passed away on December 24, 1996.
|
