NEWBURY PARK, CA (BRAIN)—Giant Bicycle employees returning from the New Year’s holiday were stunned and saddened to learn of the sudden heart-related death on December 30 of account executive Louis Ledesma.
Ledesma had been with Giant for 13 years. He was 72. He was vacationing with family and friends when he suffered heart failure.
In his role as an account executive, Ledesma worked with Giant retailers in a wide territory from Las Vegas through the Inland Empire, San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys of Southern California. At other times in his career with Giant, Ledesma also partnered with Giant retailers in New Mexico and Arizona. He lived in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
"My dad's life was the bicycle industry," son John Ledesma said. "He loved it and he loved his dealers."
Ledesma also worked for Raleigh, Schwinn and Ross during his 35-year tenure in the bicycle industry. His career in sales began many years ago as a food salesman calling on grocery stores.
“Louis was a tremendous individual, always full of love and had an amazing attitude,” said Elysa Walk, general manager of Giant Bicycle. “We will all truly miss him. His loss will definitely leave a void at Giant.”
Ledesma was affectionately known to his Giant family and friends as “The Silver Fox” because of his full head of silver hair and a generous, fun-loving spirit that made him seem decades younger than his 72 years.
Ledesma and his wife, Cecilia, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2007. In addition to Cecilia, Ledesma is survived by four children, Kathy, Greg, John, Lisa and 10 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
