Final Blog

The journey has ended. Leroy K. McLaren left his earthly home to be with the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday evening, June 10, 2008. His death was peaceful and beautiful to witness as he took his last breath before entering the Lord's Kingdom. We are relieved to know that Leroy is healed and cancer free. As we start the grieving process to heal from our six month journey, we ask for your continued prayers. Please pray for comfort, peace, and understanding for the family, including Leroy's three grandchildren who are coping with the loss of their beloved Papa.

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday morning, June 18, at Central Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona. The church is located at 933 East Lindsay Road.

In lieu of flowers, all donations received by the McLaren family will be donated to Christian charities in Leroy's name.

If you are flying in town for the memorial service, please contact me if you are in need of transportation. We have also have hotel rates for any out of town guest or family.

Days Inn 480-981-8111
5531 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85205

Single or Double Room $69.99 Friday and Saturday
Single or Double Room $59.99 Sunday thru Thursday

AAA rates are less. All Prices are before taxes, and there is no breakfast provided

Windemere 480-985-3600
5750 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85205

Single or Double Room $89.00
AAA Single or Double Room $80.10

Prices are before taxes, and breakfast is provided at the Windemere.

The family would like to thank everyone for sharing this journey with us. Your support has meant a great deal to all of us. We will be forever blessed by your compassion and grace.

Stephanie

Tribute to 35 years

Last Saturday evening, March 31, Lois, Mike, Kristen Andy, and I attended an annual banquet for Weitz Construction to honor Leroy and his 35 years of service to the company. The following was tribute to Leroy was written and delivered by Mike Bontrager, President of Weitz Southwest Division.

“Leroy McLaren could not be with us this evening; however, his wife Lois and two of three sons, Andy and Mike are here tonight.

Leroy started with Midwest Concrete, a company Weitz owned. He transferred to Weitz in 1972.

Now Leroy is an estimator. Many have said, not just me, that he is the best there is. He worked for my dad from 1972 to 1980. My dad said I never saw someone take off on a job so fast with that kind of accuracy. And he talked the whole time. He quickly set himself apart as an expert.

Leroy moved to Phoenix in 1980 to help the Southwest Division. He was promoted to Chief Estimator in 1987, Vice President in 2000, and Senior Vice President in 2003. He also served as ASPE President and Vice President, and held a position on the ASPE national board of directors.

Leroy is a master of conceptual pricing. He can sit with a client, listen, look at a few napkin sketches, and price it within ten percent.

Back before computers, ten key calculators were used to sum up numbers. I realize I just lost three-fourths of the audience! Imagine bid day without a computer. Leroy was so fast on a ten key that he wore several of them out. Smoke would come out of them, due to his quick hand.

It is hard to count all the contributions Leroy has made in his thirty-five years, but here are a few:
He epitomized our core values.
His total commitment to add value to our clients
His respect for sub-contractors
If he heard someone was abusing a sub-contractor, you would hear about it.
He developed the estimating systems tools, policies for not just the Southwest Division, but for the entire company.
He was integral in growing the Southwest Division from a start-up operations to a major general contractor.
He is a teacher, helping many to learn the trade.
He is a continuous learner. Most people of his generation can do without computers, yet Leroy is an expert on a computer.
His memory for numbers is astonishing. I can go into his office and ask him the price range for almost anything and he could tell me the answer off the top of his head.

During project interviews, he tells clients how he remembers my high school graduation. He actually is the one who had to remind my father it was time to leave for the ceremony. I would counter that by saying the company is 150 years old and Leroy has been here since day one.

I really admire Leroy and I know I am not alone. He is the nicest person I know. I learned a lot working with him for twenty-two years.

I propose a toast. Please raise your glasses. Thank you Leroy for thirty-five years and all the memories…”

Although it was difficult to look at the picture that showed while Mike read Leroy’s tribute, it was wonderful to hear about Leroy from a work perspective. It is obvious the impact Leroy has made on the Weitz Construction Company and the people who work there. Thank you Mike for a great evening and for such a touching tribute to Leroy’s thirty-five years of service.