In Loving Memory of Larry Beck of Waste Managment – Founder

Larry Beck

Company: Waste Managment – Founder

Years of Service: 63

Comments: From modest origins as a truck driver and the owner of a small, south suburban trash hauling firm, Lawrence “Larry” Beck became a co-founder and key executive at trash-hauling giant Waste Management, Inc. during the years it was based in the Chicago area.

“He not only hired good people, but he really motivated them and encouraged them,” recalled retired Waste Management chairman and CEO Dean Buntrock, also one of Waste Management’s co-founders. “He was highly respected by his competitors and his partners.”

Beck, 90, died of complications from esophageal and stomach cancer on June 28 at the Perry Farm Village senior living community in Harbor Springs, Mich., said his son, Scott. He had been a Harbor Springs resident since the mid-1980s and had lived in Darien before that.

We will not forget you, Larry Beck.


Together, let’s honor the memory of the men and women who have served by our side. Whether on the garbage trucks, delivering portable sanitation units, or working in the offices and repair shops, the employees of our industry serve important roles and are very special people. As we remember this fallen hero of the waste industry, we join with their family and co-workers to honor their service.