Secret Santa Dies

Samana Rombuca · 01-14-2007, 01:28 PM

I'm surprised this hasn't been brought to light yet. We've heard of him, but sadly the legendary Secret Sanda has passed away. Great people must be remembered!

I've never met the guy, but I've experienced that kind of generosity and I know how good it is to help people. He will be missed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16607436/

Quote:

Mo. man known as Secret Santa dies at 58
Larry Stewart had handed out more than $1.3 million over 26 years
Updated: 8:12 a.m. ET Jan 13, 2007

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Larry Stewart, a millionaire who became known as Secret Santa for his habit of roaming the streets each December and anonymously handing money to people, died Friday. He was 58.

Stewart died from complications from esophageal cancer, said Jackson County Sheriff Tom Phillips, a longtime friend.

Stewart, who spent 26 years giving a total $1.3 million, gained international attention in November when he revealed himself as Secret Santa. He was diagnosed in April with cancer, and said he wanted to use his celebrity to inspire other people to take random kindness seriously.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Stewart said in a November interview, “to help other people out.”

Stewart, from the Kansas City suburb of Lee’s Summit, made his millions in cable television and long-distance telephone service.

Inspired to give

His private holiday giving started in December 1979 when he was at a drive-in restaurant nursing his wounds from having been fired. It was the second year in a row he had been fired the week before Christmas.

“It was cold and this carhop didn’t have on a very big jacket, and I thought to myself, ‘I think I got it bad. She’s out there in this cold making nickels and dimes,”’ he said. He gave her $20 and told her to keep the change.

After that, Stewart hit the streets each December, handing out money, often $100 bills, sometimes two and three at a time. He also gave money to community causes in Kansas City and his hometown of Bruce, Miss.

Stewart said he offered the simple gifts of cash every year because it was something people didn’t have to “beg for, get in line for, or apply for.”

Stewart gave out $100,000 between Chicago and Kansas City in December. Four Secret Santas whom Stewart “trained” gave out another $65,000.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

soundwaveCA · 01-14-2007, 01:34 PM

I think your about 2 months to late on this one dude:

Secret Santa Reveals His Identity, With A Sad Twist

alphie · 01-14-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundwave.ca

I think your about 2 months to late on this one dude:

Secret Santa Reveals His Identity, With A Sad Twist

Actually he just passed away on Friday. He had failing health for quite awhile. Been trying to get him to talk at our church, but he's been in Houston for treatment of cancer. It's really sad news. He will be missed.

Samana Rombuca · 01-14-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soundwave.ca

I think your about 2 months to late on this one dude:

Secret Santa Reveals His Identity, With A Sad Twist

Yes, I remember the thread, but as alphie said his death is new to me, as a thread, etc. (nice way to make me *almost* feel dumb

)

onesock · 01-14-2007, 01:58 PM

Wow...I've never even heard of him.

RIP

Megatronwp38 · 01-14-2007, 02:45 PM

WOw, never heard of that. Wish I had ran into him LOL.

Star Sabre James · 01-14-2007, 05:19 PM

I have heard about him before this. It is sad to see such a good person die so young. RIP.

Boardwise · 01-14-2007, 05:31 PM

Such a shame.

Lupis Convoy · 01-14-2007, 07:14 PM

Wow.. well I have to say he's done a lot obviously for the community, and it's great that he's got a legacy now that will continue on without him.

rattrap007 · 01-14-2007, 07:18 PM

well it isn't much of a secret now...