Obituary of Larry Agranove

Agranove, Larry M.B.A., M.S., Ph.D. Passed away peacefully at home on 9 March 2012, in his 83rd year, after a valiant battle with cancer. Beloved husband and best friend of Susan (Davidson) for 45 years. Their marriage was filled with love and joy. Larry was the only son of the late Emanuel and Goldie Bornstein Agranove. Born in Toronto, he lived all of his life in London, attending schools Ryerson Public, London Central Collegiate, U.W.O. (B.A. 1950, Ph.D. 1971) and did his M.S. in Retailing at New York University, 1951. Larry said he never worked a day in his life, but was well paid for having fun. He had a number of careers. He operated Field’s Clothes and the happiest two days in his life were when he bought it and when he sold it. He operated a sales finance company and consulted with Woods Gordon, later starting his own management consulting practice, Agranove Associates. He served on various corporate Boards and was a founding Director of the London Chapter of The American Marketing Association. Larry took a one-year teaching contract at The School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University in 1972 that lasted for seventeen years. One of his students remarked, "Dr. Agranove gets paid for having fun." His Dean said that if you didn’t have a smile when you entered Larry’s office, you would have one when you left. Even though, later in life, he battled pain and illness, Larry never had a day without cheer. Dr. Agranove lived for the arts, particularly theatre and music. He adored opera, even bad opera. He served on the Boards of many cultural organizations in London and was President of The London Symphony, and founding President of The Ontario Federation of Symphony Orchestras. Larry’s philanthropy touched many organizations. He was particularly generous to the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto. Larry was a big fan of The London Community Foundation, serving as a Director and as Chair of the Finance Committee. Larry loved to sail. He cruised his various yachts throughout the Great Lakes, enjoying the company of Susan, his immensely competent and congenial mate. Laughter was a great joy to him, particularly when he could instill it in others. He loved to cook almost as much as he enjoyed eating, and wine was a passion. Perhaps his curmudgeonly nature was Larry’s most endearing characteristic. A memorial service will be held at the London Club at 177 Queens Ave. London Ontario on Thursday 15 March at 11:30 a.m. Dress code applies but bow ties not required. There will be a Minyan Service at 7:30p.m. that evening at the family home at 250 Sydenham Street, London. The family requests that donations in Larry’s memory be made to Temple Israel of London, Orchestra London or to the charity of your choice. Logan Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca Services: Service Date Thursday, March 15, 2012