Larry Allan Pringle, a longtime Napanee business owner and community leader, has died at the age of 82.
Pringle passed away peacefully on Jan. 3 at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by family. He was a lifelong resident of Napanee and owned and operated Pringle Ford for 59 years, becoming a well-known figure in the local automotive industry. He also served on Ford of Canada’s Dealer Council and the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council.
Many have taken to social media to share kind words of Larry, and stories of buying their first cars from him, or working at Pringle Ford back in the day. One comment read, “Always a big smile…one of the good guys!” “He was always smiling and always first to step up to lend a hand,” another read.
Beyond business, Pringle was deeply involved in the community. He served as president of the Napanee Kinsmen Club and the Napanee Rotary Club, and later chaired the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Board. His volunteer work helped shape local service groups and health care leadership.
Joanne McCormick, owner of Touch of Wellness Aveda Spa, took to social media to pay tribute to her dear friend. “I will forever treasure my time with Larry through Rotary Club of Napanee, Ontario. How I enjoyed sitting beside Larry as Bingo volunteer partners, sharing laughs while serving a cause we both believed in so strongly. Those evenings together reflected the kind of gentleman he was—kind, committed, and devoted to making Napanee a better place.
Larry, you will always be remembered as one of Napanee’s most distinguished gentlemen—a man of integrity, warmth, and community spirit.”
Pringle is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sherry, their three children, and four grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Jan. 10 at Wartman Funeral Home in Napanee. A memorial service follows Jan. 11. Donations may be made to the L&A Hospital Foundation, Napanee Rotary Club, or Morningstar Mission.
Written by Emily Chatwood
