Las Vegas, NV—With the passing of Chuck Westfall on March 16, 2018, the imaging industry lost an authentic legend. Westfall was one of the most brilliant and knowledgeable techs in the business. Moreover, he was one of Canon’s most effective press outreach and media spokesmen for more than 35 years.
Westfall was also one of few Americans competent to give his company granular input on digital camera design. Furthermore, he had the uncanny ability to answer the most challenging technical questions off the top of his head. However, what really set Chuck Westfall’s life apart were not merely his incredible abilities and accomplishments but who he was as a person.
As anyone who had the honor of knowing him can attest, he was a magnificent human being. An uncommonly kind, generous and caring man, he dedicated his life to service, the highest human undertaking. In his charmingly soft-spoken manner, Westfall served his company, his loving family and anyone who came in contact with him with the very best he had to offer. And he was always there to help.
Fortified by an abiding faith, Westfall bravely battled kidney cancer for more than seven years. And it is a testament to the transcendence of his spirit that he never wavered in his heartfelt dedication to serving others.
Early Career
After earning a degree in professional photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Westfall accumulated valuable on-the-job experience during a 10-year stint in commercial photography and photo retail. He then began his corporate career with Canon USA in 1982 as a technical representative. He steadily advanced through the ranks to achieve his last position as technical advisor, Information Technology Communications Group, Canon USA.
Westfall’s involvement with digital cameras began in 1994, when he assisted Canon and Kodak engineers in developing the EOS-DCS series of professional DSLRs. Subsequently, his responsibilities expanded to include participation in the development and launching of many other Consumer Imaging Group products.
These included Canon’s professional and consumer-oriented digital cameras. He also developed content for online and on-site consumer education projects in Canon USA’s Professional Products Engineering & Solutions Division.
His wife, Ying, and their young daughter, Anna, who is currently a high school sophomore, survive Chuck Westfall.
A YouCaring account is being set up for Anna’s college education with the remainder to be allocated toward higher education scholarships for other deserving students.
In addition, there are plans to set up a Chuck Westfall Lifetime Achievement Award for “Technical Spirit & Excellence.” usa.canon.com
The fundraising page is now up. Here is the link for the fundraiser for Anna — https://www.youcaring.com/annawestfall-1141724