Ricon Sales Manager Advocated for Vehicle Accessibility for Students

Larry McNutt, who was the west region sales manager of commercial products for the wheelchair lift and ramp supplier, died on Friday. He was 69 years old.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

October 9, 2018

Ricon Sales Manager Advocated for Vehicle Accessibility for Students — Larry McNutt, who was the west region sales manager of commercial products for Ricon Corp., was an ardent advocate of vehicle accessibility for physically challenged students. He was also active in school bus associations nationwide.

2 min to read

Larry McNutt, who was the west region sales manager of commercial products for Ricon Corp., was an ardent advocate of vehicle accessibility for physically challenged students. He was also active in school bus associations nationwide.

SAN FERNANDO, Calif. — Larry McNutt, a longtime advocate of vehicle accessibility for students and other passengers with mobility challenges, died on Friday. He was 69 years old.

McNutt, who was the west region sales manager of commercial products for Ricon, joined the company in 1996 as a sales representative and served in a variety of managerial and sales capacities for the wheelchair lift and ramp supplier, including as head of the Acti-Van division, and director of customer support.

Tony Ward, national sales manager of commercial products for Ricon, said that McNutt was well known and well liked throughout the industry for his friendly and personable nature, and was a popular presence at state, regional, and national industry trade shows.

McNutt was an ardent advocate of vehicle accessibility for physically challenged passengers and students. He was active in school bus associations nationwide, including the California Association of School Transportation Officials and the National Association for Pupil Transportation, as well as paratransit associations, including California Association for Coordinated Transportation and Community Transportation Association of America. He contributed to numerous articles in School Bus Fleet, School Transportation News, Metro, and Mass Transit magazines.

McNutt began his transportation industry career in 1972 as an assembler for school bus builder Wayne Corp. He also served Paramount Equipment Sales in Sylmar, California, as vice president of sales.

A native of Richmond, Indiana, McNutt is survived by his spouse Marie, Scott McNutt (Christie), Tracey McNutt Miller (Jeff), Cameron Serra, Chelsea Serra Johnson (Jeremy), and grandchildren Kailey, Taylor, Tyler, Finnley, Wyatt and Cole Ellora, Eli, Emma, and Emmett. He lived in Valencia, California, a suburb of Los Angeles.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for McNutt in January.

Topics:wheelchair lifts Safety Special Needs Transportation

More Special Needs Transportation

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•May 1, 2026

The Most Common Wheelchair Securement Mistakes on School Buses (and How to Fix Them)

Small missteps in wheelchair securement can have serious consequences. Here are 32 tips from experts to reduce risk and increase student safety on the bus.

School Bus Fleet “On the Road” graphic featuring Maritza Valentin of AMF Bruns America inside a mobility equipment showroom in Ohio, highlighting accessible bus solutions.

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 23, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns’ New Showroom: School Bus Securement Solutions Explained

Go inside AMF Bruns America’s new Ohio showroom with Maritza Valentin to see its FutureSafe technology, driver training tools, securement systems, and seating innovations.

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 20, 2026

What AMF Bruns’ New Facility Means for Customers [Video]

Inside AMF Bruns’ new Stow, Ohio, operations: See how expanded space and innovation will enhance customer support and operations.

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

AMF Bruns national account managers Maritza Valentin and Jeff Algire at open house event

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 16, 2026

AMF Bruns Expands in Ohio, Investing in Growth and Community

With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive first look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.

Exterior view of AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot facility in Stow, Ohio

Special Needs Transportation•by Amanda Huggett•April 16, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Manufacturing Facility [Photos]

Take a behind-the-scenes look at AMF Bruns of America’s new 41,000-square-foot Stow, Ohio, headquarters, featuring advanced manufacturing, expanded space, and future-ready mobility solutions.

Boosting K-12 Attendance With Innovative Transportation Solutions

While the yellow school bus remains the backbone of student transit, 75% of administrators identify limited transportation access as a major driver of chronic absenteeism. This guide explores how districts are strengthening their fleets by integrating flexible, supplemental solutions to serve students with the most complex needs. Learn how a multimodal approach can bridge service gaps, restore attendance, and support your most vulnerable populations.