By Wendy Swanson
Washington D.C.
Friday, April 2, 2021
The Lincoln Group sadly reports the recent loss of Everett Ladd. He passed away at home at age 90 on March 16, 2021, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. His wife Antigoni was at his side at the time of his passing. Long-time Lincoln Group members know the Ladds as staunch supporters of our organization, ones who for many years were regular attendees of our dinner meetings.
Everett and Antigoni were among the many in our membership who have turned their love and knowledge of Lincoln into action. In 1984 they founded the Tigrett Corp., an organization devoted to leadership development gained through the use of lessons from 19th and 20th century giants, the foremost, of course, being Lincoln himself. In their hands, Lincoln became a teaching tool. Joining Lincoln as leadership role models were such historic figures as Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt and Frederick Douglass. In time, the Ladds relocated from the Washington area to Gettysburg, where their organization is still anchored. The move was Gettysburg’s gain but our loss as we missed their presence and insight at our events.
Everett, born November 26, 1930 in Dedham, Massachusetts, was the oldest of four children, and known by family and childhood friends as Bill. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Animal Husbandry (1951); then after military service in Korea (1953-1955), he completed a business degree from Western New England College (1963). As he progressed from agricultural to commercial lending, he also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking (1970). Everett eventually became President of Northampton National Bank in Northampton, MA, where he was a community leader for many years. Throughout his life he explored a variety of professions including electrical apprentice and shepherd before turning to his financial endeavors and then finally becoming an entrepreneur, teaching leadership.
Everett’s online obituary characterizes him as “the quintessential gentleman.” How true! A Lincolnesque figure, he generated an aura of wisdom and calm. Conversations with Everett were always time well spent. The Lincoln Group remembers him fondly – he was one of our best!
His wife and business partner, Antigoni, survives him, as do two sons, three grandchildren and other family members. Another survivor, of course, is the Tigrett Corporation which still features Lessons from Lincoln as its most popular program. That course focuses on issues faced not only by Lincoln but today’s leaders as well: effective leadership in times of change, articulating goals, the importance of ongoing and consistent communication, building commitment from all levels of staff, and dealing with difficult people. Everett and Antigoni grew to know Lincoln, his skills and his strengths. Through their corporation they guided others in gaining Lincoln’s strategic and visionary thinking while developing personal leadership styles.
The Lincoln Group extends condolences to Antigoni and the entire Ladd family. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Gettysburg, conducted by the Monahan Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com. Burial will be in Dedham, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adams County SPCA, www.adamscountyspca.org.