In Memoriam: Pioneering Imaging Retailer Ron Inkley Passes

In Memoriam: Pioneering Imaging Retailer Ron Inkley Passes

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Ogden, UT—Photo-imaging retail pioneer, Ron Inkley, 91, passed away on September 25, 2020. Ronald W. Inkley was born in Salt Lake City to Walter B. and Helen Mackay Inkley on Mother’s Day in 1929.

Ron Inkley: A Full & Accomplished Life
Ron-Inkley-2012
Ron Inkley: 1929–2020

Immediately after graduating from East High School, Ron opened up his first photographic store in Salt Lake City. That store was the beginning of the very successful Inkley’s Inc. The company went on to operate as many as 29 camera stores in four mountain states.

Inkley’s was ultimately sold in 1996 after 49 years in business. Ron continued with another business, Photographic Research Organization, headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut. Moreover, he was a part of in its embryo formation in 1960 and was president of PRO for 13 years. In addition, he continued as an advisor for 20 more years and stayed active in that organization until he was 86 years old.

What’s more, Ron, along with his son Mat, also operated The Imaging Depot in downtown Ogden—just blocks from where he had one of the original Inkley’s locations. It was at that Ogden Inkley’s in 1954 that a brunette walked in to buy a Viewmaster. Subsequently, Ron and Ethal Zaugg married on April 20, 1956; the marriage, solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1960, lasted for 64 years until his passing.

Ron also served in many capacities in the military, community, church and government. A veteran of the Korean War, he served two terms in the Utah State Legislature in the 1960s. In 1974, he was recruited to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also held various positions there.

Ron Inkley is survived by his wife, Ethal; son, Mathew (Shanna); daughter, Deborah Summers (Curtis); granddaughters Makena, Natalie and Samantha Inkley, Madison and MaKylee McBride, and Gracee Summers; and grandsons Andrew Inkley, Jace McBride and Broc and Luke Summers.

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