A Letter From Our CEO

A Letter From Our CEO

Friends and Colleagues of Lerch Bates:

It is with profound sadness that I write to you today. On December 23rd, our dear friend and esteemed leader of Lerch Bates’s international business operations Stephen Fall passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes.

For those of us who knew him closely I cannot tell you the loss we are feeling right now, but I know it cannot compare to the grieving of his loving wife Liz and his children Sam and Sarah.

What I can tell you is that Steve was a man of uncommon leadership skill, integrity and grit while possessing an uncanny wit and a sense of humor that never left me without a smile on my face. Steve is going to be missed so deeply by friends, colleagues and most importantly family.

Steve began his tenure with Lerch Bates nearly 25 years ago, guiding Lerch Bates’s non-U.S. operations as his leadership and expertise was recognized with multiple promotions. Steve played a major part in LB’s acquisition of Dewar Partnership in 2014 and was named Managing Director – International in 2019. In 2022, Steve received LB’s prestigious V. Quentin Bates Award, joining fewer than a dozen other VQB recipients spanning Lerch Bates’s 80-year history. Steve’s two decades of incredible leadership left an undeniable mark on our international business. Steve will be deeply missed.

The Lerch Bates Europe and international teams quite imaginably are in shock and pain, and Lerch Bates will do everything we can to ensure our fellow LB team members are supported during this trying time.

Please keep Steve, his family, colleagues and friends in your prayers. More information about any arrangements will be forthcoming as soon as we receive them.

Keep your family and loved ones close this holiday season.

With deepest sympathies,

Eric Rupe
President & CEO
Lerch Bates Inc.