Jock Menzies, president of American Logistics Aid Network, dies unexpectedly

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) announced late Tuesday that John T. “Jock” Menzies III, president of American Logistics Aid Network had died unexpectedly.

According to a published report, Menzies, 69, was traveling in a private tram car on Friday when the cable snapped and sent Menzies falling 200 feet down a steep slope behind his home in Arnold, Md. Menzies died early Saturday as a result of injuries sustained in the fall.

Menzies will be remembered for helping to transform the logistics of disaster relief, co-founding ALAN in 2005 after witnessing the breakdown in relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The nonprofit tapped into transportation and logistics networks to supply water, food and medical supplies to areas hardest hit by natural disasters.

Among other notable achievements, Menzies traveled to Haiti in the months following the 2010 earthquake, which he wrote about in his blog, where he coordinated efforts to transport Haitian orphans to safety. ALAN also assisted with the delivery of critical supplies to victims of the Japanese tsunami in 2011 and those of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. As Chairman of the Central Maryland Red Cross in 2003, he helped engage supply chain companies to assist in the wake of Hurricane Isabel.

Menzies brought expertise from his 30 years as chairman of The Terminal Corporation, a logistics, warehousing and transportation company based in the Port of Baltimore. Menzies and his brother bought the company from their father and uncle in 1984. According to the company’s website, the company grew tenfold under Menzies’ guidance, with current annual sales in excess of $30 million.

A statement on the alanaid.org website remembered the network’s co-founder with the following message:

“We mourn the loss of our dear friend and our thoughts and prayers go out to Jock’s wife Penelope and his entire family.

“Jock was a generous giver of his time, always willing to explore an idea or lend an ear to friends and family. He was a gentle spirit, a visionary and inspirational leader. He had a passion for bringing people together and was gifted at helping people understand their shared goals.

“Jock served as chairman of the Terminal Corporation, where he worked for more than 40 years before co-founding ALAN in 2005. After witnessing the breakdown of relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Jock organized an effort and engaged supply-chain professionals and trade associations to come together to found ALAN. They knew that they could help victims of disaster if they worked together and Jock was a natural fit to lead ALAN.

“The board of directors has appointed Kathy Fulton, ALAN’s current director of operations, to serve as the interim president. If you have any questions please contact Kathy at (863) 559-6188, or Patrick Rofe, director of development and corporate partnerships at (360) 515-6264.

“A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, August 22 at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore located at 5603 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210. If attending, the family asks that you please wear bright colors to celebrate Jock’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Jock’s name to American Logistics Aid Network. To make a donation, please visit the ALAN homepage or mail your gift to CSCMP, 333 E Butterfield Rd, Lombard IL 60148.”