The San Fernando Valley’s automotive superstar Bert Boeckmann has died at 92, leaving behind a legacy of selfless leadership at the world’s number one Ford dealership, Galpin Motors, a tight-knit family bound by love and an unbeatable track record of community service.
When Boeckmann joined the Galpin team in 1953 it was a small dealership struggling to pay its bills. Now, 70 years later, it is a vast empire with 12 brands, more than 1,000 employees and more than $1 billion in annual revenue. The company has held the unique honor of being the top-selling Ford dealer for 29 consecutive years.
Despite all the time and energy he poured into the business, Boeckmann always found more to give to his family. He died peacefully in his bed on April 28, surrounded by relatives who loved him.
His secret to success, both in business and in family life, was to treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
“The thing that had the biggest impact at Galpin and the biggest impact in our family is the true love that he had in his heart for people from all walks of life,” said his son Beau Boeckmann, president and COO of Galpin Motors. “To me that is his biggest and lasting legacy.”
Boeckmann died on the second anniversary of the passing of his wife Jane, who he adored and who practiced the same trademark brand of loving kindness to all. The pair were married for 50 years and deeply involved in the San Fernando Valley community.
“He and my mom were so incredibly close. It was like a storybook ending and probably the best way the worst thing can happen,” said Beau, who held his father’s hand as he passed.
Boeckmann is survived by daughters Laverne and Denise; sons Brett, Brad, Beau and their spouses; 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Thyra and Gloria, and extended family members.
“Bert was an automotive legend and a true American hero, who stood apart with all of his accomplishments, but you would never know it based on how he…
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