Ellis Katz.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Ellis Stanley Katz, a former president of Katz & Klein Optical Lab, died in Folsom, Calif. on Oct. 18 at age 90. Katz began his optical career at Katz & Klein, a wholesale optical laboratory founded by his father, Harry Katz and business partner, Russel Klein. In 1960, he bought the business and was president until retirement.

During his 50 plus years in the optical industry, Katz became president of the California Optical Laboratory Association (COLA) and Optical Labs Association of North America (OLA). The California State Optometrist Board also honored Katz with the Paul Yarwood Memorial Award. He was the only wholesaler to receive this award in 50 years.

In 2000, Katz became a charter member of the Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame, while his company established the School of Optometry at the University of California, Berkeley. Upon retirement in 2002, he sold the business to his two partners, Corrine Hood and Mike Francesconi.

A celebration of Katz' life will occur at the Ben Ali Temple in Sacramento, Calif. on Nov. 11. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Ben Ali Building Fund, P.O. Box 21-4477, Sacramento, Calif., 95821.