Ed Lemco
January 29, 1945 - July 15, 2011

"Ed you are truely missed by all your family and friends. My heart goes out to Aunt Jean, Ron, Steve, Terry, Connie, Linda, Laura, and Lisa. You were such a loving, caring, generous, giving man. You were always so willing to help my mom and dad out by having them flown down to pick up a new car from you and by just putting them up when they came into town. You always made them feel special and they enjoyed the time that they spent with you. I am proud to have you as a cousin....Debbie"

"I first met Ed in 1981 when I was a fairly new Kawasaki dealer and he was on the road with Joe Ramos promoting his first 20 club memberships sponsored by Kawasaki Motors. After attending his next sales training in Los Angeles, I was so impressed that I set up a sales training for my fellow dealers in San Diego. In appreciation Ed flew Julie and me in his Cessna T206 for a weekend in Palm Springs. He was so spontaneous. The first morning there he jogged to and from the store to get orange juice and bread wearing his leather wingtips and no socks, and got blisters.That day he recited a poem he penned in his childhood "ode to a raisin" he hated raisins. Ed had a unique style, and you just knew he was totally in his element when speaking to an audience. He was animated, dynamic, witty, funny and best of all, so entertaining and enjoyable that he made it fun to learn new material. He always seemed to come up with new "Lemcoisms" which could be a bit "raw" but were so succinct and packed with wisdom you couldn't forget the intended message. He was the kind of guy you wanted to hang out with hoping that some of his personality would rub off on you. Ed was fond of an expression he borrowed from His Aussie friends: "He had his go!". Well, Ed has gone way too soon. His family, friends and associates have suffered a great loss. Connie, the first time we met, we observed that you were so very attentive and concerned with Ed's well being. We knew then that you would have a wonderful relationship together. You have our deepest sympathy. Dave and Julie Quinsey"

"Attending the first Dealer Candidate course in 1996-1997 changed my life in many ways. Ed showed such enthusiasm for the program and a genuine interest in each participant and their unique story within the dealership. Ed's contributions to my personal and professional successes have been profound. I can't help but smile each time I think of him. Ed never once let me off the hook yet I always knew he challenged me with the intent to guide and teach. I will always think of him as a great teacher. I bid you farewell dear Ed with great respect and affection. My condolences to Connie and the entire Lemco family."

"I had the best job in the world. I worked for Ed Lemco for 10 straight years 1981-1992. I was there at the beginning. It took a lot of work, cold calls, dealership visits, and passing out Lemco Letters in Cincy to get past....ED WHO?? No one believed M/C dealers could organize nationally or even at a state level. Which would give them more power and leverage working with the OEMS. Ed did. And we did it! He wanted M/C dealers to not just enjoy being able to sell motocycles because they liked them. He wanted them to make money too! So we organized and provided Sales Training seminars, 20 Clubs, forms, and Finance & Insurance seminars. YES! Customers in your town or city will pay a DOC fee and buy a service contract we chanted. And dealers began to see results. Backend money. Maybe this Ed Leemco is on to something. My time watching Ed develop programs and systems for every department, allowing dealers to see and understand where every dollar was going was a privilege. He never stopped thinking or creating new ideas to help dealers. I was very PROUD to help these ideas come to fruition and see Lemco & Associates become a force in the industry. We helped many dealers keep their doors open and their dreams alive. Ed was a true Maverick and dealer advocate who forever changed the industry. I've been pleased to read so many kind acknowledgments from many dealers I was fortunate to work with. Good to know you're doing well. Thanks for letting me work with you and your staff. Finally. Ed changed my life too. Very few people have the opportunity to grow and learn and travel in a lifetime, as I did in those 10 years. Thank you Ed for a wild and wonderful ride! I love you. You will always be my HERO!"

"Ed, I had been intending to write or e-mail you for the last couple years to thank you and to tell you what knowing you meant to me. I'm sorry now that I didn't act upon it. I'm so sorry that I didn't hear of your cancer until you were gone. My two daughters Rachel and Maddie, now 16 and 22 remain cancer- free and I am so grateful for that. Ed, you were then, you are still, and you will always be an inspiration to me. I still speak of you and of many, many lessons learned as I am out there again the last couple years as a business consultant. I am so very grateful for the time we spent togeter and the opportunity you gave me to be such a big part of Lemco and Associates' from 1999- 2003. I loved learning from you and working for our dealers, and developing programs and material that helped them and their employees. It was a time in the industry that's now gone, and I'd love to believe that in spite of all the angst I was going through personally and with my family, that you and I delivered the BEST work your company ever did for motorcycle dealers in America. I will always be proud of that. Connie, you have my heartfelt condolences. Ed, I wish you Godspeed on the rest of your journey. Cheers, Thomas Post"

"Ed was an inspiration to me like so many others. I was blessed to have him in my life, he always encouraged me to try new things and would tell me that they would "changed my life"! Well Mr. Lemco you changed my life! Tad Kilgore General Manager Traffic Log Pro / Dealership Call Center"

"Our deepest condolences to Connie and family. Ed provided us with many travel experiences that we enjoy the memories of. He was definitely instrumental in helping us in the MC industry and a good friend to us all. We will miss him."

"Dear Lemco Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Ed was one of the first people I met in the motorcycle industry and after meeting him I knew I wanted to be in the business. He is one of the few people I know that was able to make “meetings” enjoyable. He is the person that introduced me to St. Croix, and more importantly, I truly believe he was playing “match maker” when he conveniently sat me next to Chris Watts at a 20 group meeting. Chris is now my husband and together we have a beautiful little boy. Thank you, Ed. Rest in Peace."

"Ed will be dearly missed. Without Ed's help I wouldn't own the two Dealerships today. He has forever changed the motorcycle industry and his teachings will live on. Rest in peace."

"What a loss to the family and motorcycling community of Ed Lemco. His books, thoughts and "Ediscisms" are etched in our daily business lives. A million thanks to Ed for being such a big part or our lives and our business. Thank you Connie and Laura for your friendship, and the best to the entire family in this time of great sorrow."

"It was a real pleasure to have had the opportunity to have met and worked with Ed Lemco and been a part of his "20 Group" in the UK and at the Updates in Denver. Ed was true character within our trade and helped ourselves greatly over many years. Ed's Operations Manual sits proudly on my desk and I doubt Ill ever find any book better written about motorcycle retailing. It has been a great experience to meet a person who was so passionate about assisting a motorcycle dealer to perform better. Our best wishes to Connie, Laura and the Lemco family."

"Never have the words "He will be missed", rang so true So many, many people owe so much to "Uncle Ed", myself included He loved what he did and we loved having him there doing it Truly missed, but never, never forgotten Thanks, Ed"

"While "Uncle Ed" wasn't really my uncle, it felt like he was truly a part of my family. He's been my Dad's best friend since kindergarten and I was named after him. I will never forget who I was named after and I am proud of my name. What I will remember most about Uncle Ed is his generosity. He wanted to share his enjoyment of life with everyone around him. He helped me to learn how to live life to the fullest and helped me to cultivate a love of baseball, skiing, and golf. For that, I will always be grateful. Thanks Uncle Ed! We will miss you!"

"My condolences to the Lemco family and friends. Thank you to "Uncle" Ed for all your hardwork, business support and friendship to myself and my family. Rest in Peace."

"A man who helped so many thousands of Powersports owners and personal for decades who will always remember Ed for being there, having that incredible memory for facts and figures on the Powersports Industry. An avid spokesperson for an industry in need of such a great man as Ed Lemco. So many great memories. Thanks Ed Tony"

"My condolences and best regards. There will never be another Ed Lemco. He did great things for the M/C industry and my shop."

"What can I say about my friend Ed Lemco? He is undoubtly the reason I'm still in the motorcycle business 29 years after meeting him. He was instrumental in my daughter meeting her husband and giving me 2 beautiful granddaughters. He was a great influence on me, my faimily and my business. Godspeed, Ed. My best to all his family."

"We are so very sorry for your loss."

"Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers"

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and members of the California Motorcycle Dealers Association CMDA, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Ed's wife, Connie, and all of the Lemco family. Many of our members owe the health, and even existence, of their dealerships to Ed Lemco's unique and groundbreaking dealership management style and procedures. His fierce, constant defense and promotion of motorcycle dealers made him a legend among retailers. He always had the best interests of motorcycle and motorsport dealers at heart when they were threatened by those who would attempt to take unfair advantage of them. The CMDA had the distinct pleasure of having Ed address our 40th Anniversary Annual Membership Meeting in early April, and little did we know that we would be seeing Ed for the last time — Godspeed, Ed"

"Uncle Ed... I feel so fortunate to call you that: "Uncle Ed." Such a blessing to have you in my life and to witness the incredible bond between you and my father. It sets the bar pretty high for friendships and for family, and you are about as family as it gets. I love you. Enjoy your next adventure and I can't wait to hear the stories."

"Ed blazed a path in the powersports industry that will forever be remembered. For me, Ed's legacy are the opportunities that abound in each and every dealership and the endless possiblilities for improvement and prosperity. He provided me with a great opportunity to contribute to the industry, meet scores of fantastic people and inspire personal growth. Thank you Ed! Love, Barb - The money's in the metal!"

"Connie, Linda, Laura and Lisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. During the years we were a motorcycle dealer Coleman Powersports, we had such good times and made so many wonderful friends through our association with The Lemco Group. The information we gathered was invaluable in the running of our dealership. Connie, I will always remember our delicious luncheon with you and Ed in St. Croix. We so enjoyed that time with you. We hope the beautiful memories you have made over the years will help you in the days ahead. Ed will long be remembered for his contribution to the motorcycle industry."

"Having been mentored by Ed since the early 1980's, we think of him almost every day as we "practice" being motorcycle dealers. Almost all of our procedures and processes have either come from Ed's mind or been refined by his input! Ed will live on in our business!! Thank you Ed!!! All our prayers go out to Connie, Laura and his whole Family. Jeff Reiner, Reiner's Harbor Honda, Aberdeen, South Sound Honda, Olympia, South Bound Honda, Tacoma, WA..."

"The Board and entire membership of Carambola Golf Club would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Lemco family. Ed’s success at Carambola as our first Chairman was the catalyst for capturing control of our club and keeping it open. Ed had extraordinary capacity to craft a contract and promote The Plan. We are sending a signed Carambola Flag as a fond reminder of Ed’s accomplishments here at Carambola, both on and off the course. Speaking of “on the course”, one of our fondest memories of Ed was his legendary swing which was difficult to watch. In defense of his golf prowess, Ed would claim that “anyone can play with a good swing”, and that was hard to argue with. We will all miss that swing as well as his ability to “speak through clenched teeth” when what he obviously wanted to do was scream. But instead he would rein in his anger and still appear cordial and polite. We love him for that. Our most sincere condolences, Carambola Board Of Directors"

"Thank you for all you have done for my family and I. Such a generous man and friend. Godspeed Uncle Ed."

"Many of us will long cherish our golf memories with Ed. That wild, hopping swing, and the golf wisdom. "A dry ball is a happy ball." And "Every shot makes somebody happy." But best of all are the memories from the 19th hole, where Ed could hold forth on an amazing number of little known facts, on almost any subject. And who else had a pet iguana on his patio? Fast Eddie, we're gonna miss you."

"fortunately during the 90s i worked with a progressive and forward thinking dealer, RAY PRICE HARLEY-DAVIDSON, that was a member of lemco "hd-1" 20 group. i learned much from ed lemco, who moderated our group, and what i already knew he reinforced! thanks ed! r.i.p. ed lemco jay williams"

"You will be greatly missed"

"Ed, you will be missed greatly here on St. Croix -- and especially on the Terrace at Carambola."

"OUR DEAPEST SYMPATHIES, ED WAS A GREAT MAN AND WILL BE MISSED AND ALWAYS REMEMBERED....SCOTT ROSS ROSS MOTORSPORTS"

"Ed, i will for ever remember the first day we meet at the airport here on the island of st. croix , from that day it was a frendship that would last for a lifetime , thank you Mr Lemco , for all that you did for me and my family especialy my son Johan . You will for ever be remenbered in our hearts never to be fogoten never. We will miss you. our condolences to the Lemco family. the coto family."

"Just thinking of Ed and wanting to give my condolences to his family. I started with Kawasaki Motors Corp USA in 1981 as a Dist Manager and first met Ed at a seminar he was giving us about how to read "Dealers Financial Statements". Later, I worked for Mark and Paul Woods in Austin, TX at Woods Fun Center and they spoke very highly of his work. Just wanted to wish his Family "God's Peace" that goes beyond our understanding in this time of grief."

"Connie: Our sympathies for your loss. It was our pleasure to have known "Ed" for many years during the 80's and 90's. There are/were many stories about Ed that bring a smile. My absolute favorite was coming over to your house in Denver during a meeting so he might off "the rug" that he purchased at a rug market in Africa. He knew that he had paid too much for the rug, but it gave him tremendous creditability in discussions that were always taking place at 20 club meetings about the art and nobility of negotiating prices. Ed was a very delightful man to have known and will be missed probably not by most of the "power sports manufactuers". Rick Lien and Tom Lund ....... Cycle City in Rochester, MN 507-288-1084"

"Ed, Your constant good humor and contagious drive to craft the best relationship between the motorcycle manufacturer and dealer will never be repeated. As Jennie and I were building the dealer network for Excelsior–Henderson, you were an invaluable and patient teacher. Rest in peace, Ed. Jennie and Dave Hanlon, founders of Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Company."

"I am so sad to learn of Ed's passing. His contributions to the motorcycle industry as a whole and to our dealership in particular were enormously important, but it is Ed the man that I will miss most - his fun stories, "Ed-isms" and the way he filled any room he entered. He was truly larger than life and will be sorely missed. Robert Kay"

"To the Lemco Family, My partners and I dealt with Ed in a variety of situations over 15 years or so ranging from raising millions of dollars to buy the largest motor sports dealership in England to what many people would have considered to be minor issues. Ed brought the same seriousness and concern for others to every problem. He was never intimidated by big deals and self important people. He was strong and effective in every situation, but he was always equally concerned about being fair and sensitive in dealing with what others might have considered to be unimportant people or problems. Jim Krendl"

"I am writing this with a very heavy heart. Ed's contribution to this industry will last forever and the industry has lost a valuable asset as well as a great man. As for me, Ed hs been teaching me about the motorcycle industry my whole adult lift. I joined a K group when my family had a Yamaha/Suzuki dealership in 1985, I was 25 years old and I had no idea. I was made Chairman of his first all H-D 20 group in 1988, I think because I had a grasp of the composite and no else in the group did. I always looked forward to every meeting to gain more knowledge from him. I think you could write a book of Ed-isms that I use this day. I am now 50 and still learning from him and I ws so looking forward to Ed teaching my son. I am going to miss Ed terribly. He was my mentor, friend and truly will always be considered my uncle Ed. My condolences go out to you, Connie, and the rest of the family. God bless you Ed. David Worth Blue Springs"

"Dear Connie, Linda, Laura and Lisa, Mike and I are very sadden to hear of Ed's passing. I was hoping to see him at least one more time to tell him how much Mike and I appreciated all that he did for us and our business. He was a man with a mission and we were all blessed with his drive, laughter and friendship. Our son, Jeffrey is now running our dealership and we have passed on many of Ed's little wisdoms. Bless you at this sad time of loss. We were blessed to have him in our lives. Sincerely, Joan and Mike Niswender K & H Motor Sports, Little York, NY"

"To the Lemco Family, We are all sorry to hear the news about Ed. I am sure we will be telling stories about him for a long time. Today Saturday when we sold our first unit I head The Sales Bell Ring. I just had to stop and smile and with every sale after that, I did the same thing. We all owe Ed a big thanks for what he laid out for us dealers. I think every time the Sales Bell rings from now on, I will think a kind thought about Ed and Smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wade Rice Rice Honda Suzuki"

"To the Lemco Family - I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time. Ed was an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed. The Lemco family means so much to so many and I will be thinking and praying for you during this time. Sending all my love. Marissa Rogers Citrus Cycle Center"

"Laura, I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you kow that we are sad to hear bout the loss of your father. His life has left a permanent impact on our business and on us personally and the industry as a whole. Our best to you and the rest of your family during this time. Jeff Wheeler Wheeler PowerSports"

"Hi Laura, It's Tom Orlando. Again I am so sorry about your dad. Great, great man. The words "he will be missed" have never been so true. I would not have all that I have in my life if it wasn't for your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom Orlando The Dealer Team"

"Laura, I was so sad to hear of the loss of your dad. My prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. I had the pleasure to meet your dad when he was just getting starting in the consulting business - he came to a meeting of Household Finance Executives in CA to tell us what his vision was for the Motorcycle industry. We were all really impressed with his heart felt desire to make this one of the most respected industries in the world. He made a great impact on all of us. I'll set aside a moment of silence and reflection on the 25th in honor of our dad and wish you my best in this time of sadness. My best, Bill McNelis IBSG Dealer Services"

"R.I.P. ed, ditto all coments,PLUS!! best wishes & thoughts to connie & family"

"My father passed away on May 18th in California and when I arrived in Los Angeles on the 19th, I heard of Ed's Diagnoses. I was floored and wondered what next. I met Ed when I was with Precision Harley Davidson. What an amazing Man! His mark on the Harley World will be hard to match. He will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends, and business associates. I am so, so sorry. Joseph Camp-Brothers' Harley Davidson"

"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the entire Lemco Family. We have truly lost a dedicated, positive, and caring individual. I will keep the Family in my prayers."

"A very special Man, I was proud to know and honoured to have spent time with around the world, gifted with the ability to change peoples lives for the better..he now has a different set of wings .. and no doubt is forming some twenty clubs with retreats ..up stairs .. until then Heartfelt condolences to Connie, and family from your Friends the Tompkins England"

"My memories of Ed are varied and although I am 64 I wish I had 20 more years to study his sage advice and the last 20 to have enacted it more. Rare is the person who cared for and showed others the way to success, this was Ed. My wishes of strength and sympathy go to Laura and all the family and close friends....."

"My condolences to Connie and the rest of the family. I learned a lot from Ed and his "bible". Always admired him for his no holds barred comments and takes on the motorcycle industry. Godspeed Ed."

"I could write a book about the things I witnessed Ed do. I went to work for him in 1972. But I am sure you know many things about his feats. I also want you to know that Ed took care of his family whenever they were in need. After my dad passed away in 1995 Ed paid all of my moms medical. Every month $300 showed up in my post office box to take my mom bowling and lunch twice a week. When I was a kid and Ed came home on leave from the paratroopers he always had a present for me. I still have the baseball mitt he gave me when I was ten. I love Ed with all of my heart as the rest of my family does. I know he put his heart into helping dealers but he gave his heart to his family. I could go on and on. He is and always will be my hero."

"An entire industry will miss the presence of Ed Lemco. Very few people are able to make the impact on so many that Ed did. I know that I am the better for having known him. I wish Ed's entire family my deepest sympathies."

"You did not always have to agree with Ed. But you were a fool not to listen to him. He was the most astute observer in the powersport industry. We will miss his insights and his friendship.Heartfelt condolences to Connie, Laura and family."

"I still preach and recognize the processes that I learned from Ed in K-2 20 group back in the 80's. He was a great consultant and mentor. An industry leader. I'm proud to have been associated with him. I wish a speedy adjustment to the family for their great loss."

"Ed was an industry Icon that gave so much knowledge and wisdom to our industry. Without Ed, there would be far less motorcyle dealers today. Ed's training and 20 group meetings set the standard for our industry. Ed will have a better process and definitely a traffic log at the Pearly Gates. Ed will be sadly missed by all his friends and family."

"Still remember the day I met you Ed, I was mowing fairway #13, that first chat with you was the beginning of our friendship. I learned a lot from you in such short time. THANK YOU for your genuine concerns for my career and family. Connie our heart goes out to you and the family during this difficult loss. God bless,"

"My heartfelt condolences to the Lemco family with sincere appreciation to Ed for his visionary, maverick contributions to the Powersports industry. Thank You Mr. Lemco."

"Ed Lemco was instrumental in my success in the motorcycle industry. I will continue to think of him often as daily I use tools that I learned directly from Ed or in a 20 Club. He is a legacy in the motorcycle industry and will be missed! All of my love and prayers to his family during this time of loss."

"Thank you Ed for all your energy and time to improve the motorcycle industry. Staff of McCoys"