AWDA Announces The Passing Of Former AWDA, AAIA Chairman Tim Lee

AWDA Announces The Passing Of Former AWDA, AAIA Chairman Tim Lee

"God broke the mold after He created Tim Lee. There will never be another like him,” said Larry Northup, AAP, executive director of AWDA.

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) has announced the passing of industry icon, mentor and colleague Tim Lee.

Lee, who had been facing health challenges recently, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 3.

Lee began in the aftermarket in 1971 at United Delco, then a division of General Motors, which later became ACDelco, where he worked as a jobber sales representative and then district sales manager in the Chicago area. In 1975, he joined Lang Distributing in Kankakee, Illinois, and after serving as marketing manager, sales manager and general manager, he bought the company in 1985.

Lee was a partner in the acquisition and merger of Certified Automotive in Chicago, and Lee Auto Parts and its subsequent sale to Auto Wares of Michigan. He served on the board of directors of the Bumper to Bumper marketing group and the executive board of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, where he served two years as its chairman. He has served as treasurer of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA, now Auto Care Association) and as a governor, treasurer and chairman of AWDA, and was elected chairman of AAIA in 2012.

Over the years, Lee received a number of AWDA recognitions, including the Leader of the Year Award, the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award, Pursuit of Excellence Award and the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award. He also received the Industry Service Award from Northwood University.

Lee also was active in the AWDA University and University of the Aftermarket, where he served as vice chancellor. He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and earned the Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designation from the University of the Aftermarket in 2009.

Larry Northup, AAP, executive director of AWDA, said although Lee was just a few years older than he was, he considered him a mentor.

“He was special to so many of us,” said Northup. “He was one of a kind, but despite the outward appearance of bluster and confidence, Tim could be a very private man…and one with an enormous heart. I personally experienced that side of Tim Lee many times during the 18 years I worked with him. For that, he was special to me, as he was to many of you.

“The consummate volunteer, Tim held every possible office at AWDA and the Auto Care Association (AAIA). He worked with and led the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and many other industry groups and causes, too numerous to list here.

“Tim also earned every major award offered by AWDA. I will never forget how thrilled his own employees were when they learned that Tim had been chosen to receive the Leader of the Year Award several years ago. ‘It’s about time!’ several of them told me.

“Tim was the first AWDA member that I met when I interviewed for the top staff position at the association. That interview, conducted along with Doug Washbish at Tim’s office in Chicago, left a lasting impression on me. Tim came across as a tough, but fair man who cared deeply about his association and his industry. And yes, he was sarcastic…that Chicago style coming through even then!

“God broke the mold after He created Tim Lee. There will never be another like him,” Northup shared.

More details and funeral arrangements will be shared by aftermarketNews as they are made available.

You May Also Like

Stoneridge Appoints Chief Technology Officer

Most recently, Troy Cooprider was VP of global technology, responsible for leading product innovation, advanced engineering and technology strategy.

Stoneridge Appoints Chief Technology Officer

Stoneridge, Inc. announced the appointment of Troy Cooprider to the position of chief technology officer. Cooprider will set the company's strategic technology and product roadmaps, and support future innovation and growth through oversight of the global engineering function, the company said.

Most recently, he was vice president of global technology at Stoneridge, responsible for leading product innovation, advanced engineering and technology strategy.

MBE Group Promotes Gretchen Bennett to Account Manager

Bennett will support strategic initiatives for clients, including media relations, event management, content development and more.

MBE Group Promotes Gretchen Bennett to Account Manager
Advance Auto Parts Appoints Three New Independent Directors

With the appointments, the company’s board will temporarily expand to 12 directors.

Advance Auto Parts
Marelli Names EVP/President of Automotive Lighting & Sensing

Frank Huber assumed this role effective March 1.

Marelli Names EVP/President of Automotive Lighting & Sensing
Monro, Inc. Appoints Vice President Human Resources

Jack Heisman assumed this post, effective immediately, and will also oversee Monro’s corporate communications department.

Monro, Inc. Appoints Vice President Human Resources

Other Posts

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

As the director of content, Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

Philippe Baudin Appointed COO of Amerigo International

He will concurrently hold the position of advisor to CEO Sylvain Abergel for relations with aftermarket leading suppliers.

BorgWarner Appoints Chief Accounting Officer

Amy Kulikowski fills the position, effective March 1.

BorgWarner Appoints Chief Accounting Officer
GSP Adds Snyder as Sr. Account Manager, Specialty Accounts

Greg Snyder will lead sales efforts for GSP in the e-commerce, ATV/UTV, OES and O’Reilly Auto Parts segments.

Greg-Snyder-GSP-North-America