John Harold Giddens

John Giddens, an icon of the equipment leasing and finance industry who pioneered formal vendor finance programs for U.S. industrial companies, died on Jan. 6, 2020 at home in Sausalito, California, of a heart attack.

John achieved a distinguished career in the equipment finance industry starting at CIT Corporation, in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1955.

He joined U. S. Leasing Corporation in San Francisco in 1964, serving some twenty-five years in a variety of senior management positions. He was named chief executive officer of U. S. Leasing in 1976 and he was a member of the board of directors of the parent company, U. S. Leasing International at the time of his retirement in 1986.

Stepping back from operations work, he was an independent financial consultant until 1992 when he joined with three associates to found The Alta Group. That consulting company became generally recognized as the leading advisory firm specializing in the equipment leasing and financing industry. He served on many boards before his retirement from active participation in 2002.

During his career he also found time to benefit the industry as a whole. He led the transformation of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association into a modern professional trade group. He is a former Chairman of ELFA and was among the first group of executives to be inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame in 2014.

John was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from High School at 15 and went to work for the Associated Press, leaving to go into the Air Force. After four years of service, he returned to his education, attending the University of Georgia and graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He also graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard.

His devoted wife of 29 years, formerly Clare Long of Buffalo, Wyoming, survives him, as does his brother, George Giddens of Atlanta, Georgia. His only daughter, from a previous marriage, Sharon Lanette Giddens, sadly died at 45 in 1999.

In retirement, John pursued his passions for world travel and boating on San Francisco Bay. He enjoyed his membership in the St. Francis Yacht Club for forty years. He was also a dedicated football fan, gifted photographer, history buff, and a man who appreciated a well-made cocktail. Always attuned to current events, John had a multilayered understanding of today's complex issues. Solution-focused, he brought thoughtful problem solving ideas and opinions to any discussion.

John's natural gifts as a mentor were respected and sought after by nieces and nephews for whom he provided an attentive sounding board and to whom he imparted wisdom and, at times, life changing-direction. He was generous in spirit and time and will be remembered by family, friends and neighbors for his understated manner, calm demeanor, and kind heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/)‎