In Memoriam: Larry Eichler

ROSWELL, Ga. – Larry Eichler, longtime president of Prentiss, died Nov. 9, at age 74.

Throughout his time leading Prentiss, manufacturer of pyrethrum, Eichler was regarded as an “old school" businessman who grew up in an era when deals were sealed with a simple handshake, and relationships were nurtured by after-hours conversations in the hotel restaurant and lounge.

Eichler sold Prentiss to SantoLubes, St. Charles, Mo., in 2008, but he remained involved in the pest control industry, serving as an honorary member of United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (he was a former president and board member of UPFDA).

Valera Jessee, recently retired UPFDA executive director, remembers Eichler as a problem-solver who “helped develop policy, position and action for the organization to keep it moving forward.”

Former UPFDA president Steve Levy, CEO of Bell Laboratories, said even in retirement it was important to Eichler that UPFDA's legacy thrived. "He believed in the power of the industry rowing in the same direction, and it was important to him that everyone was successful. Even when he retired, he still kept a watchful eye on UPFDA’s vibrance."  

Lon Records, another longtime UPFDA board member, said Eichler was a pragmatist who knew how to get the job done. “He had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke or story to share. Larry was a great leader,” Records said.

Eichler was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger Walker Eichler, who passed away in December 2017.  

Services will be Nov. 19, at noon, at the Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road in Roswell, Ga.