Papa’s Legacy

My grandfather, Herb Poitz, worked for Shell Oil Company as a Fuels Research & Development staff engineer for nearly 40 years. He was the developer of the world’s first semi-synthetic piston engine oil, AEROSHELL Oil W 15W-50 multi-grade, and was credited for not only developing the formula but working with several agencies to pave the way for its use.

Among many fond memories of my “Papa,” who was generous, funny, brilliant and kind, I remember how highly he was regarded among his co-workers at Shell. Following his retirement from the Product Application Department (PAD), he and about 12 of his closest co-workers jokingly modified PAD to stand for the “Proud Aging Dinosaurs,” and the group met for monthly lunches and holiday gatherings for the rest of their lives. He was the life of the party, everyone’s best friend, an incredible voice of reason and a true role model.

#MyShellStory is a campaign asking you to share your story about Shell Deer Park. If you, or your family, have a story about working at the site, with our employees on community boards or if you’ve ever visited the site during family day or a new unit opening event, we’d like to hear it. Post your stories, photos or videos on social media and tag it with #MyShellStory. Not on social media? Send us your story.

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