It is with a sad and heavy heart that we inform you that George Smith, the former President of Camera Wholesalers passed away at his home in Stamford on Sunday, April 17th. He was 74 years old. Known and respected by everyone in the photographic industry, he started his work in photo retail after his stint in the US Army after the Vietnam war. Among his many achievements, he was the inventor of the technology that resulted in the power zoom lens for interchangeable lens cameras which is still used to this day by Sony and Olympus. He co-founded Camera Warehouse ( the precursor to what currently is Camera Wholesalers) in 1971 and remained president of Stamford's premiere camera store until he retired in 2013.
He was well known for his love of the industry of which he devoted more than half his life, western movies and country western music, hunting and especially his hunting and show dogs, some of which he showed at Westminster Dog Show and were often in the store to greet customers and help close sales. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a initially gruff demeanor which hid a kind and tender heart. He was also fair and straight forward with everyone he dealt with and well known by all in the photo industry as a man of his word who sealed deals with the sanctity of a handshake.
George is survived by his wife Ronnie (co-founder of Camera Wholesalers) and his son and daughter in law Jason and Thea Smith. Funeral will be held at Long Ridge Union Cemetery on Erskine Rd. on Friday, April 22nd at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bella's Way Equine Rescue -www.bellasway.com (Photo Used With Permission Of The Smith Family)