Laurence Masse ’50

Laurence R. Masse passed away on February 13, 2021, at JourneyCare of Barrington, IL. Born in Holland, MI, July 27, 1926, Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Pamela; his four children, Laurel Masse, Babette (Christopher) Brown, Heather (Gene) Tipton and Edward Reavey; also three grandchildren, Charlotte Hodgson, Alexander Brown and Peter Brown; his brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Ann) Bateman, Michael (Christine) Bateman and Peter Bateman; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Larry proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII , then graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI, in 1950. Larry’s early career varied from Principal of an elementary school in Holland, MI, and teacher at Holland High School for two years, to consultant for General Motors at various divisions and corporate headquarters. By 1956 he was recruited by General Foods Corporation in White Plains, NY, and became Director of Personnel, worldwide in 1961. In 1966 he was recruited by ITT (International Telephone and Telegraph) as Director of Personnel and Administration, based in Brussels, Belgium, for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Larry was recruited to be a Partner in New York with Hedrick and Struggles, a consulting firm; then by the REA Express Company to be Vice President of Personnel and Industrial Relations. Larry joined Ward Howell International, Inc. as a Partner in New York and Partner and Manager in the Chicago office. Thereafter he was named Chairman and CEO, worldwide. During his 24 years with Ward Howell he worked on consulting assignments for 150 different companies in the U.S. and overseas. In 1999, at age 73, he retired to his home in Barrington, IL, and was involved in civic and community activities. He and his wife, Pam, continued to be active in local theatre groups for 30 years acting, singing, directing and producing. In 2016 Larry wrote and published his autobiography “I Don’t Know How That HappenedMy Life Story.” Larry’s wisdom, insight and humor, his treasured friendship and love of his family will be dearly missed.