Yesterday, hundreds of Vistage Members, Chairs, HQ staff, former members, friends and family celebrated the life of Larry Cassidy, a Vistage Master Chair from Orange County. His musically talented family sang songs to him and one written for him by his son-in-law entitled “Captain Cassidy.”
For a man loved and respected by so many, the tribute couldn’t be confined to the allotted one hour but went for almost 2. No one left. We celebrated the man and our relationship with him with humor, prayers, singing and stories. Over 200 more who could not be there in person, joined us on zoom.
If you knew Larry, you would agree that he was stubborn, insightful, and cared deeply. He would call you out on your issues and then support you until you could stand tall on your own. He stood for leadership, growth, connection and community. He is already sorely missed.
Some people leave this world having left little evidence that they were here. That would not be Larry. One thing I learned from Larry as a new Chair was to bravely state my truth, to take command of the room and be authentically myself. I learned to ask for forgiveness not permission, and more: don’t ask for forgiveness, just lead. There will be plenty of time later for assessments and challenges.
Larry had hundreds of Vistage Members over his 38 years of Chairing. Many of them got up to speak to talk about the influence he had on their lives. Through them, Larry made the difference in thousands of lives as he coached them to be better leaders. What a legacy! What a man. If you wish to watch the zoom recording and listen to the songs, click here.
If you don’t think Vistage peer groups get value at every meeting-from the speakers, the conversations and the input from your peers, don’t click here.