Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor, Information Technology Communications Group, Canon USA, passed away on March 16 after a seven-year battle with kidney cancer. Westfall worked for Canon for more than 35 years, and was known for his granular knowledge of digital camera design.
Westfall earned a degree in Professional Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology, then went on to work for 10 years in commercial photography and photo retail. In 1982, he joined Canon USA as a Technical Representative, and in 1994, he assisted Canon and Kodak engineers in developing the EOS-DCS series of professional DSLRs. Closer to the present, he helped develop and launch many other Consumer Imaging Group products, including Canon’s professional and consumer-oriented digital cameras, and content for online and onsite consumer education projects in Canon USA’s Professional Products Engineering & Solutions Division.
Chuck Westfall is survived by his wife, Ying, and their daughter, Anna. According to Shutterbug, there are plans to set up a Chuck Westall Lifetime Achievement Award for Technical Spirit & Excellence.