Iowa-based United Fire & Casualty Company has announced the passing of J. Scott McIntyre Jr., chairman of the company for the past 34 years and son of the company’s founder. McIntyre passed away in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 6, following a brief illness. He was 76.
A prominent figure in the insurance industry, McIntyre was well respected for his good business sense and candid outspokenness. He joined the company as a postal clerk in 1954, quickly moving up the corporate ladder. From 1966 to 1997, he served as president of United Fire and, from 1991 to 2000, he served as chief executive officer. In 1975, he was appointed chairman of the board of directors of United Fire, serving in that capacity until his death.
“Scotty was a great friend and mentor to me, and I will always be inspired by his brilliance and unending persistence,” said United Fire President and CEO Randy Ramlo. “He was very proud of the fact that United Fire is an independently owned and locally headquartered company. His passing is not only a tremendous loss to our company and our industry, but also to the community of Cedar Rapids, which he dearly loved. He was a very generous benefactor to many area charities, but never wanted any special recognition for his giving.
“While Scotty fully prepared us for the day we would lead on without him, sadly, that day came much sooner than any of us expected. Though we mourn, we remain grateful for the strong foundation that Scotty has built for us during his time at our company, following in his father’s example. On behalf of the entire United Fire Group family, I extend my sympathies to the McIntyre family during this very difficult time. Scotty will be greatly missed for his wit, his wisdom and his honesty, but his legacy will live on through our company.
“A final note, Scotty’s chairman’s reports were always eagerly anticipated by our employees and stockholders each year for his wry sense of humor and insightful observations. I know he enjoyed writing them as much as we all enjoyed reading them.”
Under McIntyre’s leadership, United Fire’s total assets increased from $6.2 million in 1966 to $1.7 billion in 2000, and net premiums written increased from $6.8 million in 1966 to $325 million in 2000.
He was a founding member of the board of trustees of the Four Oaks Foundation, a social services organization based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served two consecutive terms as a Linn County state representative from 1967 to 1970, and served as president of the Iowa Insurance Institute in 1992.
As a result of McIntyre’s passing, United Fire’s board of directors will hold a special meeting on October 7, to appoint an individual to act as interim chairperson.
Source: United Fire & Casualty Company, www.unitedfiregroup.com
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