Optical Prism February 2020 | Page 25

EYE FOCUS | NEWS Centennial Optical announces the passing of founder Roger de Pinto It is with great sorrow that Centennial Optical announces the death of its founder, past president and chairman, Roger de Pinto who passed away peacefully on January 1, 2020. Mr. de Pinto was held in great respect and is fondly remembered by his em- ployees past and present, as well as his many friends and associates throughout the optical industry. Born on July 8, 1927, Roger de Pinto founded Centennial Optical as a distributor of eyeglass frames with a staff of six employees in 1967. From the beginning, he es- tablished the guiding principles of integrity, fairness and true part- nership with suppliers, custom- ers and employees that serve as Centennial’s mission to this day. Under his leadership, Roger grew Centennial together with his son Steve into the largest independent distribution company in the Cana- dian wholesale optical industry. Centennial extends our deep- est sympathies to Roger’s loving wife Denise, daughter Carole, granddaughter Arielle, grandson Shael, and their extended family. Much loved, Roger will be greatly missed by all of us. EYE FOCUS | February Digital 2020 25