Ed Washburn, a former vice president of Zodiac of North America, helped establish the inflatables market in the United States with a dealer network consisting of more than 140 retailers and a service network with more than 35 outlets.
Washburn died May 29.
“He was our boss, our leader, friend and a lover of life,” Zodiac said in a statement. “All those he worked with enjoyed his sometimes hippie-like demeanor.”
Washburn also introduced inflatables under private label in the early 1990s with such companies as Sam’s Club, BJ’s and Price Club (which is now Costco), as well as West Marine and Outboard Marine Corp.
Washburn retired in 2012 but re-entered the inflatable segment, working with JD Corp., which builds private-label boats for West Marine. He retired a second time in 2021.
