Stephen Douglas LaFerre, one of only nine editors in the 99-year history of Modern Tire Dealer, died Jan. 27, 2018, in Wadsworth, Ohio, after a brief illness. He was 77.
A passionate advocate of the tire industry for more than 30 years, LaFerre joined Modern Tire Dealer in 1967 armed with a journalism degree from Ohio University. He was named editor in October 1976.
Three years later he joined the BFGoodrich Tire Division's public relations department. He remained devoted to the brand after the B.F. Goodrich Co. merged its tire division with Uniroyal Inc.'s Uniroyal Tire Co. subsidiary in 1986, and after the former Michelin Tire Corp.'s purchase of the Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Co. in 1989.
After leaving Michelin, he was a consultant for various tire industry publications until his retirement in 2010.
LaFerre was born on June 5, 1940, in Dover, Ohio, to the late Donald Frederick and Mary Catherine (Edman) LaFerre. He served his country as a member of the Army Reserves in the early 1960s.
On Jan. 4, 1969, he married the former Carol Jean Johnson, with whom he enjoyed 49 years of loving marriage. He is survived by Carol and their daughter Terri (Jeff) Lamm; his sister Bonnie Lindsey; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his dear canine companion, Max.
Steve's family will receive callers at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. A celebration of his life, to be held in Wadsworth, is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summa Cardiovascular Institute's Heart Valve Clinic in Akron, Ohio. For more information, contact R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home Inc. at (740) 922-1970 or online at www.lindseyfh.com.
