Home Textiles Industry Mourns Veteran Executive Wade Svicarovich
The home textiles industry is mourning the loss of Leland Wade Svicarovich, a respected industry executive and former CEO of Kimlor Mills, who passed away on May 5 at his home in Santa Ana, California, surrounded by his family. He was 81.
A native of Long Beach, California, Svicarovich began his professional career as a stockbroker after completing his military service. Before entering the business world, he served in the U.S. Army, where he was drafted following college and earned several military honours, including the Bronze Star, for his service during the Vietnam War. After attending the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School, he rose to the rank of Captain.
Following his military career, Svicarovich joined Merrill Lynch as a stockbroker before transitioning into the home textiles industry, where he built a distinguished career spanning several decades.
He served as Vice President at Custom Designs, a division of Springs Industries, for many years. Later, in his late forties, he acquired Kimlor Mills, a South Carolina-based home textile manufacturing company, and led the business as Chief Executive Officer for 27 years before retiring.
Svicarovich also contributed to the wider industry by serving as President of the Waterbed Manufacturing Association for two years during the 1980s.
His obituary described him as a well-respected individual known for his generosity, strong character and devotion to family and friends.
He is survived by Karen, his wife of 56 years, his children Leland Matthew Svicarovich, Amy Leann Douglas, and Jeffrey Wade Svicarovich, along with six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his older brother, Vido Harvey Svicarovich.
A memorial service was held at Saddleback Chapel on June 13.
