Nicholas Des Champs

It is with profound sadness that the family of Dr. Nicholas Howard Des Champs of Richmond, Virginia, announces his peaceful passing on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the age of 87. Surrounded by loved ones, he leaves behind a legacy as a cherished family member, visionary entrepreneur, and esteemed leader in the HVAC industry.
Dr. Des Champs was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Des Champs, and his brother, Lawrence Des Champs. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Rebecca Moles Des Champs; his daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Bryan Galapon; his son, Doug Des Champs; and his grandchildren, Nicole and Ryan.
Born with a relentless drive inherited from his father, Dr. Des Champs began his career working in his father's masonry business, laying bricks to fund his education. His academic journey led him to Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech), where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1962 while working as a co-op student with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. Hired by Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC), he developed an innovative anchoring device for U.S. Marine Corps runways in combat zones, earning the first of his 35 lifetime patents in 1962.
Driven by intellectual curiosity, Dr. Des Champs pursued graduate studies at Virginia Tech, becoming one of the first two Ph.D. recipients in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. His passion for heat transfer shaped his career. At Sanders Associates, he contributed to NASA's spacecraft re-entry projects and early artificial heart development, as well as cooling systems for submarine detection devices. His expertise led to an offer from Donbar Corporation, where he worked until the 1973 oil crisis inspired him to found Des Champs Laboratories in 1974.
Starting with an Air Force contract, Dr. Des Champs developed an air-to-air heat exchanger for the F-15 fighter jet, a project that fueled his lifelong affection for the aircraft. His innovations extended to the HVAC industry, where his heat transfer solutions delivered significant energy savings during the oil crisis. In the late 1980s, he relocated his company from New Jersey to Rockbridge County, Virginia, revitalizing local facilities, including an abandoned high school and a former bus plant, to create a high-volume HVAC production hub. Under his leadership, Des Champs Laboratories grew to employ over 500 people.
A true visionary, Dr. Des Champs addressed emerging challenges like "sick building syndrome" with his innovative Wringer design, still widely used today. As the telecom industry expanded, he developed compact cooling solutions for cell tower electronics and evaporative cooling systems for data centers. In 2007, he sold Des Champs Laboratories to Munters Corporation, which continues to thrive in the data center market in Botetourt County.
Ever forward-thinking, Dr. Des Champs founded eForay Consulting LLC, serving as an expert witness and problem-solver for HVAC challenges. In the early 2000s, he pioneered an online marketplace for HVAC components, predating platforms like eBay and Amazon. In 2003, a collaboration with a Swedish heat exchanger manufacturer led to the creation of a global "one-stop shop" for heat exchanger solutions. Later, he tackled a 150-year-old HVAC challenge, inventing the HVAC Air-Trap, a condensate trap now specified worldwide, securing 15 of his patents.
Dr. Des Champs, a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia, was a Fellow of ASHRAE, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and an active contributor to Virginia Tech and Virginia Military Institute advisory boards. Honored as a member of Virginia Tech's Committee of 100 and the Academy of Engineering Excellence, he contributed to publications like the ASHRAE Handbook, SMACNA's Energy Recovery Equipment and Systems, and the John Wiley Data Center Handbook. His accolades include Master Entrepreneur of the Year (1997), National Entrepreneur Council membership, and fellowships with the Ford Foundation, National Science Foundation, Tau Beta Pi, and Pi Tau Sigma.
Dr. Des Champs' legacy transcends his professional achievements, inspiring generations of engineers and entrepreneurs to combine technical expertise with bold vision. His life's work reflects a commitment to innovation, community, and family.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Fincastle Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Neil Dunnavant officiating. Interment will follow at Godwin Cemetery. A reception will be held back at the Fincastle Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the committal. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared at www.botetourtfh.com or by calling 540-254-3000.