The Grasse Legacy

Oct. 1, 2008
Dear RER: On behalf of our mom, Ellie Grasse, Jim, Larry and Ron, as well as the rest of the Grasse family, we want to thank you for the nice editorial

Dear RER:

On behalf of our mom, Ellie Grasse, Jim, Larry and Ron, as well as the rest of the Grasse family, we want to thank you for the nice editorial and the wonderful article you wrote about our dad. He will sure be missed; memories of him will definitely live forever. Everything we do has his influence incorporated somewhere within our lives. Our dad was very proud of what his contributions were to RER magazine from issue No. 1 to the present issues. He also wrote articles in other publications and newspapers on safety before it became the focal point it is today with his Safetopics and Boatopics columns on boating safety. His friendship with Jim Gartland from RER and the countless friends and business associates throughout the world always held a place in his heart.

Our mom was definitely our dad's best friend. Thank goodness she was such a great advocate for the rental business. From ARA's first convention, to the California Rental Association meetings and conventions, to visiting rental centers all over the U.S. and the world, our mom was always there for our dad. Many times Jim, Larry, Bonnie and I would come home only to find our house occupied by some rental person from somewhere around the world. Whether it be the Atkins' from Guam, the Loui family from Hawaii, the Kennards from Australia, the Brookfields from New Zealand, the Carlos' from Mexico, we can go on and on, but these people were family to us. Our dad was truly the Goodwill Ambassador for the equipment rental business.

Thanks again for everything RER has done to enhance our family. Jim (Caterpillar global allied products program manager), Larry (Western regional sales and new store opening manager for Volvo Rents), Larry's wife Vivian (regional safety manager for United Rentals), and myself are still connected some way with the rental business. It was only through our dad's passion that we became interested in this business and it has served us very well throughout our lives. Thank you again from all of us and the rest of the Grasse family.

Ron Grasse
CCE Sales Manager for Wagner Rents
Aurora, Colo.

Dear RER:

I just wanted to thank you for the nice editorial and obituary on Bill Grasse. While I never had a chance to meet him, I sure have seen the results of his life's work and family. I always enjoyed what he wrote. It was like listening to my own dad. Nice job — as usual!

Bob Barrows
Wagner Equipment
Aurora, Colo.