Keith Ladd, founder of Exton, Pa.-based The Protection Bureau and a revered friend of the electronic security industry, has died after battling cancer. He was 74.
Ladd died Feb. 22 of complications related to cancer at his home in Chester County, Pa., with family gathered around him.
Ladd co-founded the Pennsylvania Burglar & Fire Alarm Association in the early 1970s and was also an active member of the PSA Security Network, among many other organizations. For the past year he served as a member of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION‘s Editorial Advisory Board.
“Keith Ladd was one of the most genuine, insightful and engaging individuals I have ever had the good fortune of being associated with in this industry,” says SSI Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfine. “His graciousness and tremendous passion for this industry permeated all his actions. I am certain the thousands of people he touched, including myself, deeply mourn this loss.”
Ladd formed The Protection Bureau, which now has annual sales in excess of $16 million and provides service in the entire Eastern Seaboard region from Virginia to Maine, in 1975.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; daughter Karen Ladd Baker; sons, J. Matthew Ladd, president of The Protection Bureau, and Adam H. Ladd; daughters-in-law, Mary C. Ladd and Jill B. Ladd; grandchildren Joshua Baker, Zachary Baker, Amanda Ladd, Catherine Ladd, and Madeline Ladd; great-grandaughter Ava Grace Ladd; and brother, Parker B. Ladd.
The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, March 7, at Hopewell United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., with a receiving line from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The church is located at 852 Hopewell Road, Downingtown, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions go to: Handi-Crafters, 215 Barley Sheaf Road, PO Box 72646, Thorndale, Pa., 19372, or to the American Cancer Institute.
