Dr. Peter Lauer, a well-known force in the elevator world and honorary member of VFA-Interlift e.V., passed away in mid-2024 at the age of 87, VFA-Interlift Chairman Achim Hütter announced in June. A frequent contributor to and collaborator of ELEVATOR WORLD in years past, Lauer studied business and economics at the University of Hamburg in Germany, where he earned a Doctorate in Business Management in 1964. Upon graduation, he moved to Dortmund to manage printing company Rhein-Ruhr Druck with his father-in-law. In 1982, he founded VFZ-Verlag, publisher of the international trade magazine liftreport. Lauer guided VFA-Interlift from its very beginnings and enriched the world of journalism with his expertise, Hütter observed. "His warm and thoughtful manner, as well as his tireless commitment, made him a valued partner of our association,” Hütter said. “With his passing, we lose a loyal companion whose passion and dedication to the concerns of the elevator industry will always be remembered. His vision and personality were highly valued by all who worked with him."