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Paul Buff Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Buff
David Schuster
June 21, 2024
David Schuster
June 21, 2024
Bob Tyler
March 27, 2024
Paul was a close friend of mine for many years. The lives of creative people take many turns and we can´t help but let physical time separate us, but the times we spend together live on in our hearts and souls. Paul was a very special soul. Miss you old friend.
Robert Reams
January 23, 2024
Paul was a great man to know. I'm an old analog guy and Paul suggested I try programming (digital). It's been interesting. Mr Buff, Rest in Peace.
Ian Hilliard.
January 21, 2023
A creative genius and an inspiration.
John Sandman
July 9, 2019
He was one of a Kind!
Chad Pryson
March 18, 2019
I was thinking about Paul on the anniversary of his death this past week. Again, while we had our differences at times, I hope that I contributed a part in the success of PCB, Inc. during my employment there. He was without a doubt, one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and I learned a great deal from working with him on some of his genius ideas. RIP, Paul.
Yaacov H
March 13, 2019
Thanks on the goods we like so much.
TERRY BROOKS
January 6, 2016
I AM A GOOD FRIEND OF RONNIE WILLIAMS FAPPA CALLED HIM SNAIL CLAW.RONNIE IS ONE OF THE GREATISH GUITAR PLAYERS IN THE WORLD. I MUST SEND RONNIE WILLIAMS THIS NEWS.RONNIE INTRODUCED FRANK ZAPPA TO PAUL. PAUL ALWAYS GAVE RONNIE CREDITFOR MAKEING THE STUDOI TAKE OFF GREAT.HE LOVED WORKING WITH PAUL.THANK YOU TERRY BROOKS ANS STRANGE
Will Allen
September 17, 2015
Read about his past, inspired many including me. His products and service will be a legacy that no one can match. Raised the bar on affordable, professional equipment. He is missed by all who came in contact him and his company.
Chris Jeffrey
August 12, 2015
Thank you Paul for giving me the opportunity to compete with the big boys and making it possible to push forward with my photography.
I have loved using your Einsteins here in Australia and swear by them.
Thank you again
Sleep in Peace
Chris Jeffrey (Perth) Australia
July 26, 2015
a great innovator. Thanks for what you did. I have enjoyed yours very much. Just found out. so rest in peace for what you did.
JH
Robin Dayer
June 21, 2015
Happy Father's Day in heaven Dad. I will love you always and know that you are with me, even now.
Buel (aka Buster) Anderson
April 28, 2015
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. My contact with Paul goes way back to our teen age years. His brother Victor and I were best friends and I knew Paul, Alice and Alice's son Allyn and even his mother Olivia.I was at there house on many occasions. Sad- all are gone now.
In 1954 Paul , myself, and Jim Bessant (also deceased) entered the Marine Corp together. In my later years I lost contact with Paul seeing him only once when he came back to Rancho Cucamonga for a special appearance.
I am 80 now a retired high school teacher/coach but I have fond memories of Paul and his immediate family. My sincere condolences to the surviving family.
TW Chisley
April 17, 2015
Thank you for being an innovator and providing me with some of the best studio/location flashes and accessories. PCB you ROCK!!!
April 8, 2015
I couldn't have done it without you Paul! See you on the flip side.
Rick Reil (Kennewick, WA)
Alan Perlman
April 7, 2015
Such an innovative product backed by impeccable service and reliability could only be the fruit of the labor of an outstanding human being. Photographers everywhere are forever indebted to Paul C. Buff. His passing is indeed sad, but we can all take comfort in the knowledge that in his lifetime he did some really great things that were of tremendous benefit to others.
Vincent J Musi
April 6, 2015
One of a kind.
Michael Mancilla
April 6, 2015
My sincerest condolences, I've never met Mr. Huff, but, I appreciated his efforts to develope affordable accessories for us non professionals.
Rest in peace Mr. Huff.
euclid viegas
April 2, 2015
Rest in peace even though we never met you taught me to be a better photographer.
Paula Buff
April 1, 2015
Paul Buff was my great uncle and the person I was named after. My father, Allyn Buff was Paul's nephew but was actually raised for a short period of time by Paul and his first wife. My dad got his first job from Paul sweeping the studio Paul and Frank Z had together. Some of my fondest memories are the stories my dad would tell about growing up around Paul and being in the studio. In fact, somewhere there is a recording of my dad and his brothers signing a Christmas Carole. If anyone has a copy of that I would love to have it.
I first met Paul when he visited my dad in Montana around the time I was 17. Paul was probably one of the most unique people I have ever met. He was a brilliant mind, creative soul and free spirit if there ever was one.
Throughout the years Paul and I would email back and forth and Paul would tell me stories about my dad as a kid and some of things they would do. Paul was also my go-to source for all things Buff family, which is a complicated one to say the least.
Paul was also a very generous person as so many others have stated on this condolence page. Paul gave me my start in digital photography and guided me through lighting techniques, and provided me with the equipment that a beginning photographer would need. He was always willing to answer questions and offer advice even though he was a super busy person.
Paul also had a sense of humor and humility about him that was evident in his more recent music. He was a groovy dude and I sure am going to miss him.
Unfortunately for the Buff family, he was pretty much the last one. He survived his sister, Alice Rantos (my grandmother) and my father Allyn Buff for only a few short years. Paul will forever hold a special place in my heart and my hope is that he and my dad are hanging out telling stories and listening to music reminiscing about the past waiting for the rest of us to join the party.
On behalf of me and my two sisters, Cyndi and Lynda, we send our deepest condolences to Debbie and the rest of the family at the Mobile compound. I know there will be a void in your hearts that can never be filled.
Loving thoughts and memories,
Paula Buff
Ed in the studio 2013
Ed Ballantine aka Eddie Kay
March 31, 2015
I had the good fortune to work with Paul in studio and on stage. I meet him at Pal Recording Studios when I was in my teens. We all made great music together. Besides being a recoding genius, Paul was also a darn good drummer. Paul and me were in a band called the Hollywood Persuaders. I was the guitar player in the band. I think you can find a photo of the band at: Freakout in Cucamonga. If anyone has a copy of the photo, please call: 530-200-1776, I would love to get a copy. Paul and I loved to invent new sounds and ways to record them. I'm 71 now and that was a long time ago, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. Paul was definitely a uniquely talented person. I last talked with him on the phone about a year ago. The world just lost a beautiful soul, and Heaven just gained a new band member. God bless you Paul, you have been a good friend. It was an honor to have known you down here. I hope to see you again up there some day. May God bless your family and give them peace. Ed Ballantine AKA Eddie Kay...
Chad Pryson
March 31, 2015
I am saddened to hear this news. While Paul and I had our differences at times, I learned much from him during my employ at Paul Buff, Inc. He truly was way ahead of his time. RIP, Paul.
Chris Nix
March 28, 2015
I use his products weekly, he made me a better photographer!
Anthony Dayton
March 28, 2015
Thirty years ago I bought a pair of the most inexpensive While Lighting flash units available. They are still usable for a background light while the Alien Bees take care of the scene. He was one of those rare persons that it's just sort of comforting to know they're around. So the next time there's a thunderstorm and you look up to see a couple of rapid pops of White Lightning.... it's probably Paul Buff making a few adjustments up there
noah magnifico
March 28, 2015
I met Paul a dozen or so years ago. I was introduced to him as just simply Paul. About ten minutes later, someone asked me how i knew Paul and i said that i did not know who he was, just someone i met 10 minutes earlier, why, is he someone famous or something? The person then said, Well yeah, that's Paul Buff that makes studio strobes. I felt like such an idiot as i have owned every generation of his products but never knew his face. I waited almost an hour to catch up with him again and reintroduced myself. Paul and I chatted about photography, Art, his and my family, and a few other things for 30 mins. He was animated and delightful to speak to. He was the type of guy that you could talk to for hours and feel like a friend. A few years later i spoke with him on the phone and he recalled our conversation. He will be missed!
Gary Buehler
March 27, 2015
It was Paul I talked with when I bought my first White Lightning strobes in the 1980's. He assured me that if I didn't like them, no matter if it was past the 60 day official money back guarantee date, I should send them back and he'd send me a full refund. I was impressed with him then and remain so to this day.
I am greatly saddened by his passing.
My sincere condolences to his family and circle of friends. He is missed already.
Amber Flowers
March 27, 2015
I am a photographer from Glasgow Kentucky. I never met Paul Buff nor have I purchased any of the Alien Bees yet due to a tight budget, but wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. He must've been a good man for I never once saw a complaint about him during my searches on Alien Bees products. So many times I read compliments towards him and his company. It's always a good thing when someone makes a positive impact during their lives and it's obvious he did that or I'd not been aware of his existence or death in order to leave this condolence. Comfort to the family in this sad time.
Marc Rogoff
March 27, 2015
Paul's products gave me a start as a Photographer and I am very grateful for that. He will be sadly missed by the photographic community.
Monte Kamps
March 26, 2015
I have never met Paul Buff but I have been a loyal customer of his for years. His work has changed the lives of many as well as the industry itself. Rest in peace Paul.
March 26, 2015
I just wanted to share that I have been a lifelong admirer and customer of Paul's products and a huge benefactor for experiencing and learning how to treat others in life - The "Paul Buff" way.
I now feel disappointment knowing I have missed the opportunity to shake his hand and share my thanks. Knowing what I have learned about Paul over the years, I am sure he would have said "just pay it forward, and help make the world and those you touch a bit better".
We all need to be more like Paul, and the world would be so much better!
Tom Hill (Coral Springs, Florida)
Michael Wright
March 25, 2015
Most truly great men do things differently than everyone else. This was the case with Paul. His contribution to the photographic community is gigantic. Personally, his business had a tremendous affect on my life and indirectly my family. He was a great man and will be missed.
Allan Morris
March 25, 2015
I am saddened to learn of this, loved what he did for Photography strobes, The Einsteins, Alien Bees and white lightnings. Rest in peace Paul.
Stephanie Richer
March 25, 2015
I never met Paul Buff but I have used and very much appreciated his handiwork. Godspeed, good sir, and thank you for your intelligence. The photography world has lost a legend!
Bill Ford
March 25, 2015
Paul was one of the early geniuses in the design and manufacture of high quality recording studio electronics, and his Valley People Kepex and Gain Brains are found every day on eBay by discerning collectors of recording studio equipment. He was also a good friend to Frank Zappa from the earliest days, as they were both "Valley People".
Scott Fine
March 25, 2015
We will miss a great man with a beautiful vision.
Candy Zappa
March 25, 2015
I met Paul when I was 13 and on a field trip to the radio station he was on. Frank told me to ask him to play his song Tijuana Surf. Rest easy Paul.
Martin Galloway
March 25, 2015
Made strobe lighting affordable for the masses. Thank you for thinking outside the box and changing the industry with a good dose of common sense. RIP.
Andrew Hughes
March 25, 2015
The photographic world has lost a titan. I use PCB flashes almost every day and it is with a heavy heart that I learned of Mr. Buff's passing. His inventive products and memory will live on with fondness. I wish I could have thanked him personally.
Raul Estrada
March 25, 2015
My deepest sympathy. He shed a brilliant light for my photograhic efforts. May his legacy live on for all of us in the photography community.
charles fara
March 25, 2015
My deepest condolences!
Charles Fara
Thomas Spayth
March 25, 2015
the quality and affordability of his lights changed my photography business which has helped me feed my family and pursue what I love. His company is a model of how things should be done. That sort of quality can only come from the top down.. Thank you Mr Buff you will be missed
Kevin Zupp
March 24, 2015
I like many other photographers are more than grateful for the affordable option he provided helping us all get started. When you saw someone with Alien Bees - you kind of were rooting for them. Thank You for you contribution to the photography industry.
Martin Howard
March 24, 2015
Deepest sympathies. His legacy will live on through all those he has touched.
David Barclay
March 24, 2015
I started using the White Lightning line of lights early on in my career and continue to use them today. I admire Paul for his continued engineering efforts that gave all of us so many innovative products including the latest power inverter, which I love so much. He will be missed so dearly in the photography world.
David Ebanks
March 24, 2015
Paul Buff, the Steve Jobs of the photography lighting industry will be missed. I love Alien Bees and PLM Umbrellas just as I love macbooks and ipads. Paul changed the world and is the reason why many can put food on the table to provide for themselves and their families. My most sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of Paul Buff.
jim atyeo
March 24, 2015
Mr. Buff,
Was indeed a pioneer and great friend to professional photographers as well as up and comers. I found his great products about 12 years ago and have recommended them to other professionals as well as my students. I have been in the photo business in one way or another for 30 years and do not know of any other manufacture in our business that has the integrity and creative vision that Paul did. The most recent example of this was his willing replacement of batteries for the VLM for free. What an amazing man and company, he will indeed be missed. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and employees. God bless him.
lance quinn
March 24, 2015
Rest in peace.
Andres
March 24, 2015
Rest well in heaven friend.
Ron Kennedy
March 24, 2015
He gave encouragement motivation and most of all , a way to get it done thru his innovations. Condolences to the family and employees of the company.
Mark Lyndersay
March 24, 2015
Your work in photography changed lives. It certainly enabled my ow career.
Mehmet Turan
March 24, 2015
I went into photography business with the Alienbees I carried at a friend's suitcase from Chicago. High quality & one of a kind customer service is a landmark in the industry. I keep on mainly using P. C. Buff equipments in Istanbul, Turkey. My deepest condolences to his family.
Corey Smith
March 24, 2015
My Condolences to the family. The world of photography has truly lost one the "greats" I can't find the words to thank him enough for helping me launch my photography company. His affordable AlienBees has helped me a ton. His customer service was top notch and products have never failed me. He will be missed.
Edward Patrick
March 24, 2015
There were two photography Einsteins I truely enjoyed. Paul C. Buff and Paul C. Buff's. Fair winds and bright lights. You were a visionary who made inspiration possible.
James T
March 24, 2015
He made it possible for the starving artist to create.
George Aubrey
March 24, 2015
My condolences to Paul's family. He was an innovator. His products have helped me in my profession and his commitment to his customers was second to none. He will be missed.
Everett Engbers
March 24, 2015
I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Buff. He was one of the greatest innovators in the industry in the last thirty plus years. He made it possible for photographers of all stripes to use his affordable and reliable lighting products and to inspire many people to create beautiful images. Condolences to the Family and I hope that Mr. Buff's great legacy will continue to inspire and flourish..
Douglas Hubbard
March 24, 2015
Thank you for your personal service in a corporate environment and the legacy of good feelings and respect for you and the people who work for you
Claude Jodoin
March 24, 2015
sorry to hear he left us so soon............... a truly BRILLIANT man, no pun intended. He was a man of uncompromising principles.
Michael Myers
March 24, 2015
"My condolences to the family and thanks for all the lighting equipment you made. You lights made a dream of mine come true.
Carl Villanueva
March 24, 2015
I came across Paul's lighting equipment when they first came out and bought a set. I am forever in his debt for making top notch lighting equipment. I send my sincere sympathies.
Joel Germain
March 24, 2015
I neveer knew him personnally, and in fact, only know of his existance for a few short years. I can only say that what he does for photographer,with his company and product, is a great deal. I am most sorry for the lost of this charismatic person and wish my condoleance for his family and dear one.
Frank Nazario
March 24, 2015
My out most respect and condolences to his family as a professional photograper I've used his tools to earn a living and thanks to his promise of making these tools affordable I am able to feed my family. Thank You Paul from all up and coming photographers that use and will prosper thanks to your dedication to our needs.
Joe Alven
March 24, 2015
Paul's products have helped me realize my dreams as a photographer. My sincerest sympathies to his immediate family and his extended family at the company he founded.
R.I.P. Paul
Kerry Loudenback
March 24, 2015
In this life, there are "drivers" and there are "passengers".. Here's to the drivers! R.I.P. Mr. Buff.
James Robinson
March 24, 2015
A great man and mentor. This is a real loss for all of us. RIP.
James Robinson Photography Blog
Nick
March 24, 2015
So long Einstein. thanks for helping improve my work.
Nick, London, England
Robert Landrigan
March 24, 2015
He made tools that helped so many to pursue their passion, and his wit and humor showed through in his products, his business, and in his dealings with others. Thanks for making the world brighter, Paul.
Sara Lando
March 24, 2015
My sincere condolences and gratitude. The talent and passion of Paul C. Buff shone brightly.
Andrew F.
March 24, 2015
An incredible person who has helped and changed many more people than he could have known. Thank you for everything, Paul.
Mark Dolan
March 24, 2015
With much respect!
David Hobby
March 24, 2015
Paul,
Your ceaseless creativity, legendary engineering prowess, and respect for photographers who are thin-of-wallet changed the arc of many a career. I will think of you every time I use your gear, which I expect will be for the rest of my life. Thank you, and heartfelt condolences to your family.
Christine Eadie
March 24, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul Buff. I only knew him through his lighting products which are wonderful. Thank you for everything you did for photography, Mr. Buff. Rest in peace.
Grant Jones
March 24, 2015
Thanks Paul, you made me a better photographer and you always took care.
Melissa Harden
March 24, 2015
I am praying for the Buff family.
Wesley Farnsworth
March 24, 2015
My thoughts are prayers are with your family during this time of grief. Paul C. Buff forever changed the photography industry when it comes to gear and he will be deeply missed by all.
Autumn Moir
March 24, 2015
My sincerest condolences. He was truly a genius and will never be forgotten.
Frank Zayas
March 24, 2015
Condolences to the family and employees of Paul C. Buff, great innovator in the photography industry. He made it possible for many like me to make a living in this tough business with his great products and unique business model. --Frank Zayas Photography
Pierre Wachholder
March 24, 2015
Respect for a true genius , one of a rare species . Warm regards and condelences to the family.
Craig & Vicki Carl
March 24, 2015
We offer our condolences to the family of Paul C. Buff, whom we greatly admired. ~ Carl Photography
John Rayl
March 24, 2015
For the foreseeable future, each time that I hear one of my Paul C Buff Einstein studio strobes fire, I will think of the man who has given to me an invaluable tool which enables me to touch lives through my work.
Potraits that are bathed in the glorious and perfectly controlled light emitted from the tool that empowers my creativity.
I am sure I speak of many thousands of photographers.
Paul gave me the gift of touching people lives with light.
Paul helped me touch thousands of peoples lives and I will continue to touch many many more lives by creating compelling images of people, their children, families, and friends, using his light.
His light which lit my subjects every time I fired one of the best studio strobes. For over 12 years and thousands of portraits using the five AlienBees lights I used for 10 years and now an even more glorious light from the six Einstein lights that I have used for two years.
He left this world a better brighter place, one studio strobe POP! at a time!
Rest in peace Paul. I am going to go get my tools ready for another day of creating wonderfully lit portraits for another happy client.
Ellis Vener
March 24, 2015
There are only a handful of people who truly revolunozed modern photographic lighting: Professor Harold "Doc" Edgarton who invented electronic flash; Gjon Mili who showed photographers how to use it creatively; Glenn Larson who invented the first softbox; Gary Register who made the softboxes box practical and portable; and Paul Conrad Buff who democratized high quality, low cost flash gear.
He will be missed.
Noah N
March 23, 2015
You lit up my life, Paul! Thanks from NY!
Sylvester Garza
March 23, 2015
My sincere condolences on the passing of Paul Conrad Buff He was a man of many talents And his workwith photography lighting has been a huge impact in my life and my career
Drew Detsch
March 23, 2015
I never met you but I felt you to be a friend. We will miss you.
yus prinandy
March 23, 2015
you've bee an ispiration..
Alex Rodrigues
March 23, 2015
Thank you Paul, for making our lives brighter. You'll be missed by everyone in the photography community. Rest in Peace
Alex Rodrigues, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Alex Rodrigues
March 23, 2015
Thank you Paul, for making our lives brighter. You'll be missed be everyone in the photography community. Rest in Peace
Alex Rodrigues, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Justin Blair
March 23, 2015
Such sad news to stumble upon. Paul you will be greatly missed in the photography world and beyond. From day one I always said I would only use his products and years later that is still true. I can only assume he was a greater person than even his awesome business made him seem! My best to his family in this time.
Bob lyman
March 23, 2015
Begin doing your fine work in an industry that needed help since we knew of if since the 1970's and you and your company have been there to bring what's needed to light up the industry to what today is needed! Bless you Paul for all you figured out and brought to the market place! Just bless you! Rest in peace for all this earth has found from you! We love all that you have brought to our planet and hope you find our maker with open arms!
March 23, 2015
You changed my, life, my career, and most importantly how I viewed the photo industry....you will be missed, but will live on in my memory King Luap! Thank you immeasurably...JD, Atlanta
Keith
March 23, 2015
You will be missed, you will be remembered, but most of all you will continue to be cherished for your vision and creativity that enabled so many.You allowed millions to see the light. May that light continue to shine on you.
Kenny Dion
March 23, 2015
R.I.P. Mr. Buff. May you forever ride the light.
Jim Fay
March 23, 2015
Thank you Paul - you helped start the career of FZ! May you run with the Grunion forever!
Tony
March 23, 2015
Great guy. Going to be missed.
March 23, 2015
Thanks for the 5-track, Paul.
March 22, 2015
We love and are thinking about Debbie
Angie,Mimi,Susan, Rob,Tom,Mom& Dad
Jerry Gibbons
March 22, 2015
We will miss Paul. What a wonderful intelligent man. I wanted to get to know Paul better and listen to his stories. May Paul rest in peace
T Parker
March 22, 2015
We loved you Paul. You will be greatly missed!
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