No one has served
the
Sheep Industry to ever
compare with Larry Mead.
Let me repeat NO ONE!
--Jim Cretcher
Past Executive Secretary,
AmericanHampshireSheepAssn
Larry has surely been one of the pillars
of the
purebred Sheep Industry. The Midwest Sale has
stood the test of time under his leadership. The
sale has evolved from a one-day sale to a week-
long event. All consignors and purchasers,
whether large or small, were treated fairly. The
work Larry did and the help he gave to so many
were appreciated by veterans and newcomers
of the sheep industry.
Larry sent cards and letters in times of illness
and other family occasions. His messages were
most sincere and thoughtful.
Best wishes and good health,
--Bill & Boyd Dohrman
I believe the year was 1987
and Jan and I at-
tended the Cow Palace show in San Francisco
in conjunction with the annual meeting of the
Hamp association. One evening Larry escorted a
large group of sheep people down to the wharf
to a super fancy restaurant. After the very ex-
pensive meal Larry showed us some of the local
attractions and about midnight the whole bunch
of us took a ride on the cable cars. It was our
first visit to San Francisco and Larry very much
helped to make it a very memorable experience.
This was the first time that Larry had ever met
my wife Jan and at the end of the excursion Larry
proclaimed that I had VERY MUCH out-married
myself!!
Thanks for the memories Larry!!
--Chuck Bobendrier
--- Page 131 ---
Larry Mead.
It’s tough to write something that describes him and really ar-
ticulates the contribution he has made to the sheep industry. Larry is larger
the life. As a youngster in Indiana when he rolled into the state fair you were
always so honored if Larry “tapped” you to help him, so I hung around and did
lots of “gopher” jobs. As I grew up I realized what a fantastic strategy he had
to get “volunteers”! It worked every time, people just wanted to be around
Larry, so what if you had to work!
I also so appreciated Larry’s passion for public service. Juggling being a Mis-
souri State Representative, volunteer with many local and political organiza-
tions while publishing the premier sheep magazine, and managing upwards of
60 sales per year was an amazing feat. Larry was the first person I ever knew
that earned enough frequent flyer miles to go around the world! I admired
his ability to get things done and the due diligence he would do to make to
be sure it was done well, not to mention many personal sacrifices were made
along the way. His attention to detail has always been Larry’s hallmark.
Larry mentored me and many others in the industry. Larry’s confidence and
ability to rally folks around an issue or event is well known and admired. But
the compassion and kindness Larry quietly and genuinely exhibits for people
is his real claim to fame. I would suspect that Larry sends hundreds birthday
cards every year (not to mention graduation, wedding, get well and the list
goes on). I have heard countless people comment to him about the birthday
card they receive every year. Larry’s friends and acquaintances are important
to him, and while few to take the time to stay in touch, Larry does!
Larry’s leadership, drive and vision made him a trailblazer in the industry, cre-
ating the largest most successful consignment sheep sale in North America.
My life is better because I know and am a friend of Larry Mead. Thank you
Larry for all you have done!
--Karey Claghorn
Heartland Livestock Services Partner
Past Executive Secretary, American Hampshire Sheep Assn
Tribute to Industry Great
and Past Sale Manager
LARRY MEAD
Continued on Page 130...
