Paul W. Klipsch, founder of Klipsch Audio Technologies, died on May 5, 2002, at the age of 98.
Born on March 9, 1904, in Elkhart, Ind., Klipsch is best known for his contributions to developments in audio loudspeaker technology. After being drafted in World War II, where he served in the areas of ballistics and photography, and ultimately discharged with the rank of Major, Klipsch committed his life to building loudspeakers. After continued research and experimentation, patents and trademarks were applied for and ultimately granted, including his first patent for horn design; throughout his life, Klipsch had three patents in ballistics, eight in geophysics and 12 in acoustics. The name Klipsch and Associates was registered in 1946, although his first employee wasn’t hired until 1948.
In a memorial letter from CEO Fred S. Klipsch, Paul W. Klipsch is remembered as a legend in sound. “Stories of Paul’s lasting wit and superior intellect were indeed true, which is what often made it difficult to accept the fact that he was 98 years old.
“It has been said, and I firmly believe it, that every time you listen to recorded music, you’re hearing the passion, the genius and the legacy of Paul W. Klipsch. He was a verifiable genius who could have chosen any number of vocations, but the world sounds a lot better because he chose audio.”
In honor and in memory of Paul W. Klipsch, Klipsch Audio Technologies has published the family’s obituary on its Website (www.klipsch.com). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Paul Klipsch Scholarship Fund at New Mexico State University.
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