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Obituaries

In Memoriam: Lighting Designer/Lighting Director Chris Stuba, 63

PLSN was saddened to hear of the passing on Aug. 2, 2024, of Lighting Designer / Lighting Director Christopher Richard Stuba at age 63 from Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. Debi Moen who knew and had interviewed Stuba several times, remembers this beloved friend in our lighting community’s life and career through friends of his as well as quotes from Stuba himself from past interviews.

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In Memoriam: Bill Klages, Television Lighting Designer, 97

Television Lighting Designer Bill Klages died on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was 97 years old. He was a pioneer in television lighting working from the late 1940s through the 2000s. Winning 7 Emmy Awards, his credits included the 1984 Atlanta Olympic Games, The Grammy Awards, The Tony Awards, The Republican National Conventions, The Los Angeles Olympics Closing Ceremonies, The Statue of Liberty Celebration, The Country Music Awards, The Emmy Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, the inaugural galas for Presidents John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush, as well as numerous entertainment TV specials.

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In Memoriam: Norah Eileen Beijer-De Bekker, 49

PLSN is sad to report that Norah Eileen Beijer-de Bekker passed away on April 26, 2024, at the age of 49. Norah was a beloved member of the live entertainment industry. With a diverse background in sales, marketing, and business management, Norah had a creative and resourceful mind that ensured dynamic but practical design solutions throughout the life of a project.

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In Memoriam: Andrew Nikel, Lighting Professional

Andrew Nikel

Andrew Nikel, a lighting professional, passed away on the evening of April 4, 2024. He had been battling Parkinson’s Disease for many years. Nikel retired from City Theatrical in April 2020 after working there for 15 years. He was a lighting professional with 40 years of experience, both working in theater as a master electrician and in the industry in rental and sales positions with companies like Production Arts, PRG, and City Theatrical. Nikel was highly respected and loved by many in the industry.Read More »In Memoriam: Andrew Nikel, Lighting Professional

In Memoriam: Joel E. Rubin, PhD, 95

Dr. Joel E. Rubin

Dr. Joel E. Rubin died peacefully on the evening of March 27, 2024. Born in September 1928, he was 95. Dr. Rubin was the Co-Founder and a Past President of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). He was one of the founding members of the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Theatre Technicians (OISTAT). He also had a long career in the industry working as the Executive Vice-President of Kliegl Bros. Stage Lighting, Co. Inc., as well as many years as Principal Consultant and Managing Director of Artec Consultants.

Here is a biography for Dr. Rubin put together by Patricia MacKay, a longtime friend, colleague, and USITT Fellow.Read More »In Memoriam: Joel E. Rubin, PhD, 95