Larry L. Elchesen

Larry L. Elchesen

Larry Elchesen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 20, 2004.
LARRY L. ELCHESEN Larry L. Elchesen, born April 19, 1950 in Cleveland, OH passed away on July 16, 2004 in Mission Viejo, CA. A retired executive from Ingram Micro, Larry spent his youth in Pennsylvania and Tennessee, graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Larry began his career with Ingram Industries in 1986 in Nashville, Tennessee. His considerable management talents and abilities led to his appointment of positions including President of Ingram Micro Canada; President, Ingram Micro Asia-Pacific; and Senior Vice President of New Business Units Worldwide. Since his retirement in 1999 Larry devoted much time to his love of hunting and fishing. A favorite pursuit was trophy fishing in Cabo San Lucas. There, Larry enjoyed entertaining family and friends aboard his beloved fishing boat, Phi Alpha. Larry also enjoyed the challenge of big game hunting in the US. Larry's other love was traveling abroad in Europe, especially in Germany. Larry is survived by his wife Dee Dee, stepchildren Mallory and Taylor Ray, mother Jean Elchesen, sister Bonnie (Peter) Liesko, brother Joe (Gail) Elchesen, 3 nieces and 3 nephews. Larry's life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 11:00 am at the Coto de Caza Golf Club in Coto de Caza, CA. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Mission Community Hospital Trauma Center, Mission Viejo, CA.

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August 7, 2004

Kathleen McDonell posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2004

Robert L. "Bob" Brown posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2004

Dianne Kwok posted to the memorial.

Kathleen McDonell

August 7, 2004

When the news came I must say my heart sank with an overwhelming feeling of disbelief. My fondest memories are of the early years (90's) where we all worked so hard and had so much fun doing so. Larry was a wonderful leader with a zest for life. He always strived and pushed for excellence and did so with great insprition and style. I learned so much from him and am greatful for having known him.



Rest in Peace.

Kathleen McDonell (Moyser)

Robert L. "Bob" Brown

August 7, 2004

Dee Dee, I was saddened to hear of the untimley passing of Larry. I had worked for him at Ingram and learned very quickly of his fine qualities as a leader and a person. He played an important role in my career and I am better off for having experienced his influence upon my life. God Bless, Bob

Dianne Kwok

August 3, 2004

What I remember most about Larry was how approachable he was. He was always part of the gang as well as a respected executive. I couldn't believe he agreed to get dressed up in this really elaborate pirate's costume for one of Ingram's reseller events at the CN Tower.



Both Glen & I have great memories of a guy who graciously gave us his time whenever we needed his advice. He was a wonderful mentor.

Angelo Kociper

August 3, 2004

One of the most approachable executives and a truly good person. My condolences to his family. Larry will be missed.

Guylaine Frechette

August 2, 2004

Larry was a great man he truly will be missed.

Larry Le Gal

August 1, 2004

It is rare that a man with such a high position in a large company such as Ingram Micro would be so involved and in touch with all employees at every level like Larry was. Not only in touch but actually caring. I started with Ingram in March 95, and although I knew him only a short while, he made quite the impression on myself and many others because of his positive outlook and zest for life in general. My deepest sympathy to his entire family.



Best regards



Larry Le Gal

Mike Groeger

July 30, 2004

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the Elcheson family. Larry had this ability to motivate people with his humor and down-home honesty. Just after I started at Ingram in 1992, I remember calling him Mister Elcheson. His response was: "that's ok, you can call me Larry". I also remember the day when we had an all-company meeting. He realized that the front lobby was too small... so "what the heck, let's have it outside". What a guy! He will truly be missed.

Kelly Hodgins (Gee)

July 29, 2004

Larry was a great friend and colleague. He set the executive tone at Ingram Micro and made it one of the best places to work in the industry. He loved to come party with us at the Chick N'Deli and drink Goldschlager. I have never touched a liqueur since. I will never forget the party he hosted for Susan and I when we "broke up" as room mates. Larry was Larry and we will continue to remember his wonderful sense of humour and view of the world. He will definitely be missed.

Pat Capone

July 28, 2004

Larry will truly be missed.



I had many fond memories over the years of working with Larry. No one could strike a golf ball down a busy industrial street (Barmac drive) like Larry could! He had a great way of making everyone at Ingram feel like they were part of a big family. He was the best executive you could ever want to work with. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Dee Dee Elchesen

July 27, 2004

I would like to thank all of you who have expressed your memories of Larry. I have read them all with a smile on my face. Your thoughts have made this very difficult time a little more bearable. I only hope Larry knows how truly loved he was and how much he will be missed. My children and I thank you for your support.

Chris Ralston

July 27, 2004

One of the most disappointing days in my professional career is when I learned Larry was leaving Ingram Micro Canada. Larry had a uncanny ability to connect with everyone in a unique way. He made each person feel their work was important and necessary. Larry did this with a genuine care and charisma that lifted the spirits of our organization and carried us through years of tremendous growth. I admired his style and passion for life.

Almost a decade has past since Larry has left Ingram Micro Canada and those of us who knew him still speak fondly of him. What a tremendous legacy for one person to leave.



My sympathies to this family,

Terry Sedgley

July 26, 2004

I had the pleasure of working with Larry for many years supporting the Ingram Micro account for many vendors...it didn't matter what size of company I represented he had the ability to make me feel I was truly helping to grow Ingram...I have some great memories and will treasure them always.

Larry Miranda

July 24, 2004

I was already working at Ingram when I met Larry Elchesen.

I was working as a receiver in the warehouse at that time,

The first impression I got from Larry was that he was

A down to earth person and with an incredible drive and

Optimism.



Mary Whittle talks about when she met him, he has wearing

Jeans and boots and he said to her I am the new president of

Ingram, I believe Mary said “yeah right”, but it turned out to

Be true, and it was the best thing that could ever happened to

Ingram Canada , at that time we were in desperate need of

Leadership and we got that and more.



I remember Larry working in the warehouse wearing a T-shirt, running

Shoes and jeans, picking and packing to help achieve the desired

Monthly sales. That tells you right there the kind of person he was.

He lead by example, he showed us that no matter what kind of work

One did, one’s contribution was very important to the company as

Whole.





Larry you have been an inspiration to all of us, and you will never

Be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Mike Trax

July 24, 2004

Cowboy Boots: When I first met Larry, I was impressed with what a down to earth person he was, but I was also impressed with his Cowboy boots! I had never seen a big-exec wear such casual atire in a business. Then I noticed others at Ingram were wearing them too (especially those who worked closely with Larry)! Jeff Charland & I went out that weekend and picked up a pair. The trend continued; it wasn't long before I saw groups of people walking through Ingram, most all wearing Cowboy boots. I've since gone on to work in other IT companies, often wearing my 'boots on casual day, and when people question, I tell them this story. It's interesting to note how the behaviour of one extraodinary individual can touch the lives of so many others, even in subtle ways. I know I won't be able to attend the funeral, but if I did, I'd be wearing my Cowboy boots.

Rest in peace Larry.

Dick Donnelly

July 24, 2004

I am retired now but I have fond memories of doing business with Larry and his company during my years at Computer City. Larry had a way of generating a feeling of family in our business dealings. He was a giant in the industry in my opinion.

Dan Petcoff

July 23, 2004

I didn't know Larry well, I think he left about 4 months after I started. I met him in the cafeteria. He made a great first impression, he knew my name and and introduced himself as "Larry" He knew the accounts I was assigned to, then I asked him what he did in the company! Oops! His farewell party was a blast! He was truely LOVED by all who knew him. Too bad there are so few leaders like him.

Dan McNeil

July 23, 2004

There are certain moments in your life when you get news that stops you in your tracks. This was one of those moments.

From the time I started at Ingram Micro working in Shipping, then Receiving, and then Product Management, Larry always seemed larger than life and very intimidating until I got to know him. He would come to the warehouse several times per day and had an uncanny ability to know everything about his inventory.

Larry earned the respect of everyone who worked with him.

He set the standard as a leader, that many aspire to, but few achieve.

If you were there, you can't forget all the people who attended and paid tribute to Larry, at his farewell party at the Hollywood Princess.

I am a better person today for having had the priviledge to know and learn from Larry.



My sincere condolences to his family.

Susan Fraser (Holt)

July 23, 2004

In reading others' entries into this guest book, there are few words to better express the fellowship and friendship we all experienced at Ingram so many years ago with Larry at the helm.

Like others I remember the Larryisms-my favorite "that's like putting puppies in a box", his love of trading Simpsons anecdotes

with everyone, his love of shlocky old movies (together with Doug Gunn and Andrew) and his daily pass by my desk to say "where are we going tonight Sue".



He was a gentleman, a humorist and someone that made the computer industry (for those of us new to it so many years ago) a pleasure.



Many wonderful memories, too many to mention and a fond farewell to an old friend.

Helen Kish

July 23, 2004

Larry was the President of Ingram Micro Canada when I joined back in 1991. I have a lots of great memories of Larry. But the most memorable was getting mixed up in a snow ball fight with Larry. He missed me and broke the front door at Barmac. He was a great guy and will be missed. My thoughts are with his friends and family.



Helen

Bill Young

July 23, 2004

My perspective of Larry is not as an employee of Ingram Micro Canada, but as a supplier to IM. Larry was a great ambassador for IM Canada, and always a gracious host. He was demanding at times, always polite, and the consummate professional. No matter what the outcome of our meetings with Larry, we always felt that we were better off after the meeting than before the meeting. The business world needs more people like Larry... indeed, the whole human race needs more people like Larry.

Joseph Tomczak

July 23, 2004

Larry had a way of looking out for others and he enjoyed a good time. He was one to include people in such activities as a gathering at the local bar on a Friday after work or a party at his place. He always had a grassroots feeling for the business and he was truly a leader that inspired you to achieve more than thought you could. And he did it with style. As always I think fondly of him and wish him peace. He is missed.

Jeff Bernknopf

July 23, 2004

I began my working career in the fall of 1989 at a company then called Ingram Micro D. Larry Elcheson was the president of the comapny then is by far the finest president of a company the I have ever worked for. He was always approachable and took a keen interest in all of his co-workers. We had a great time working and playing during the next 7 years. He was truly a great leader and will be sorely missed.

My condolances to his family and friends.

Felicity Bullen

July 23, 2004

Larry was simply the best boss I have ever had. Over the 7 years that I was his Executive Assistant, I developed a deep affection and respect for him. He was a great leader, a fun guy and a caring human being.

Michele Cavanagh

July 23, 2004

I was most impressed by Larry's ability to walk through the halls of Ingram Micro and say hello to everybody by name!! My fondest memories of Larry.....carrying a picture of his new Harley in his back pocket so he could show everybody his new bike and.....hanging out with us at the Kingswell (and usually picking up the tab).

Larry, you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Michele

Nick Rushton

July 23, 2004

When I started at Ingram in February 95 one of the 1st people that ever said hello to me was Larry. Not exactly a common thing, but not exactly a common man. Larry was a people person, he knew that people were the most valuable asset he had to make his company run smoothly, he recognized them every chance he got. The world needs more Larry Elcheson's....My deepest condolences go out to the Elcheson family and to our Ingram family...

Maria Desa

July 23, 2004

I met Larry for the first time when he was appointed President of Ingram Micro Canada, he came wobbling into the cafeteria on crutches with a cast on his leg, and I thought, who is this one legged man with a funny accent. Over the 10 years working with Larry I can say that he was a great leader and had a great sense of humor, I can remember him always talking about the Simpson's just before we started a meeting. My deepest sypmathies are with Larry's family and friends. "See ya'll later"

Luis Carrasco

July 23, 2004

Larry was one of the most dynamic and engaging persons I have ever met in my life. An inspiring leader who was quick to recognize your efforts and push for results. I could never help it feel amazed at his deep understanding of the numbers and how he asked us pointed questions during the monthly management meetings all of them recalled from memory. Larry's legacy lives in many of us.

Earl Morris

July 22, 2004

I had the pleasure of working for Larry when Ingram was a total of 75 people in all of Canada. He always had an open door policy and always had a smile on his face, even when I drove his Porsche into a fence after a golf lesson. He was more concerned with straightening out his drives, then he was with the damage I inflicted on his prize possession. Although he did get me back by hitting me in the face with a snowball during a company snowball fight. He was a true gentleman that led by example and will sorely be missed by all that knew him.

Dale Newman

July 22, 2004

I mourn the passing of my college, friend and mentor. Everyone, who ever met Larry, was extremely impressed with his enthusiasm and his charm. I am so proud to have been an integral part of that great team ride from literally last in the market to number one. Larry always made our journey highly challenging, satisfying and above all, fun! I will forever miss his “Larryisms”, his homespun sayings that were so intuitive, incisive, yet down home friendly. Larry had the uncanny ability to remember every funny line in his favourite TV shows or movies. He could recite verbatim the best lines from “The Simpsons”, “Wayne’s World” and his favourite character, Frank Slade, from “Scent of A Woman”. Larry, "HOO HAH! The booze is flowing like mud around here”. Peace my friend.

Maria Desa

July 22, 2004

I'll never forget the first day Larry "The President of Ingram Micro", came wobbling into to the cafeteria with a broken leg,and I thought, who is this guy with the funny accent with one leg?? Working with him for 10 years, I can say he was the greatest leader and had a great sense of humor. Rest in peace Larry, see ya'll later....

Susan Kearney

July 22, 2004

I feel vary fortunate to have worked for Ingram Micro while Larry was president. What always amazed me about him was his keen interest in knowing each and every person in the company. He truely made Ingram Micro a a fun place to work. There are 3 things that will always remind me of Larry: The Chicken Deli, Teaching him how to use the interact machine, and Goldshloger! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Susan Kearney (Toronto, Ontario)

Marcie Weinstein

July 22, 2004

I worked with Larry at Ingram Micro in Toronto for two years. He created a great atmosphere and had such a wonderful energy and sense of humour. My last name is Weinstein and Larry use to call me Marcie Weinstein-stine-berg-man.....:-) (poking fun at Jewish last names). I will always remember Larry fondly. He will be missed. I hope he is at peace.

Farokh Monajem

July 22, 2004

Sorry you had to leave so soon.



Larry was a dynamic leader. Came into our offices in Toronto and took over with style and panache, although I think he had to tone things down fo us more reserved Canadians. My sympathies to the family.

Peter Chung

July 22, 2004

Larry was a great leader and great guy. I was fortunate to receive his business coaching & confidence. I enjoyed his insights especially on German cars. We will all miss Larry in our own special way. My sympathies to all Larry's family and friends.

Rob Fleming

July 21, 2004

I had only been working at Ingram Micro a short time when I got talked into attending the company golf tournament. I was quite apprehensive because I had never golfed before, but they assured me that it was to be a “best ball” tournament with no pressure on me. When I showed up that morning I found out that I was to be in a foursome with Larry – the President of the company! As we prepared to tee off, Larry came over and in his Tennessee drawl said “Rob, I wanna win!” No pressure indeed! Actually, Larry made me feel very much at ease. As many will attest to, he was very approachable and a great guy. He had a knack for being the one in charge, but also one of the gang. I’ll never forget the time he got involved in a snowball fight with a bunch of us just out front of the Ingram office.

Kenneth W. Watkins

July 21, 2004

I learned many things while Larry was President of Ingram Micro Canada. One thing was Larry could eat a full lunch in under 6 minutes. I haven't meet a person since, who could eat food faster then Larry.

He was a person who you could just walk into his office or stop him in the hallway and talk about anything. I learned from Larry that if you're willing to work hard anything is possible.

Dave Jones

July 21, 2004

Working for Larry was always fun, many memories come to mind. I watched as he walked in the door for the first time and nearly hit his head on the door frame. I agreed to take his photo for the new Ingram magazine and when I showed Larry my prize effort the next morning, he was horrified. Never could stand looking at portraits of himself! The great trip he arranged down to Nashville to Ingram U.S. to see Bronson's office panelled with oak, and the Grand Old 'opry visit was all in keeping with the character of this special man who will be missed by many.

see ya Larry

Christine Amar-Schwartz

July 21, 2004

Memories never fade away... Larry had such a great personality that I will always remember him. He was truly a leader and a friend. I am thankful for the guidance he extended to me when I worked with him. To live in the hearts of others is to never die, my sincere sympathy to Larry's ("Elchestone") family and friends.

Mary Taylor

July 21, 2004

Larry was the President of Ingram Micro for my first 7 years . When he left Canada we were all very sad to see him go. Larry was one of a kind. He had a way with people and made each and every one of us feel special. I particularly loved his sayings, in which he had many. I am deeply saddened of his passing. I know he is in a good place.

I will truly miss you Larry.

My deepest sympathies to his family

Art Ross

July 21, 2004

Larry was the president of Ingram Canada for 5 of the years I worked there. He truly was an Leader, he could be tough at times, but always with that little grin in the background.He inspired everyone to excel. The competitive part of Larry is the part I will remember, be it a friendly game of golf, or winning that big acount. My deepest condolences to his family.

Brad Currie

July 20, 2004

Larry was the president of Ingram Micro Canada when I started my working career. He was a very charismatic leader and a great person. I was shocked by this news. My condolences to Larry's family.

Grace Andres-Hiltz & Doug Hiltz

July 20, 2004

We feel very honoured and fortunate to have worked with Larry Elchesen. He was a great leader who motivated the entire staff at Ingram Micro Canada during the early and mid 90's. It was during his time there that Ingram Canada became the number 1 distributor and one of the best places to work in the computer industry. His management style of being approachable and friendly was an inspiration to all of his employees. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

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August 7, 2004

Kathleen McDonell posted to the memorial.

August 7, 2004

Robert L. "Bob" Brown posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2004

Dianne Kwok posted to the memorial.