Neil Shipley, APSA West Covina, CA

PSA Journal, July, 2005 by Joanne Stolte

Longtime Photographic Society of America (PSA) member Neil Shipley, APSA, passed away April 28, 2005, at his home in West Covina at the age of 87.

Neil was born and raised on a farm in Northwest Missouri. He married his wife Betty in 1941 and joined the army in 1943. After his discharge, the Shipleys moved to Los Angeles where he worked in wholesale meat sales. In 1953, Neil went into business for himself, starting Allen Prime Meat, which he owned and operated for 36 years, catering to hotels, restaurants, and country clubs.

To remember a trip to visit his parents, Nell rented, then bought, a used Argus C-3; and after finding the Long Beach Camera Guild, he was "hooked" on photography. In 1956, the Shipleys moved to West Covina, and Neil joined the Glendora Color Slide Group (GCSG) and PSA. He served as President of GCSG four different times. Additionally, he was president of Wind and Sun Council and the Southern California Council of Camera Clubs (S4C)--the only person to have held both presidencies. Neil presented numerous programs and was Nature Division Chair for the PSA Roundup Chapter.

In 1964, Neil received a Fellowship from $4C, and in 1966 he was elected a PSA Associate. Neil enjoyed international exhibiting and judging, earning four stars in Color slides, five stars in Nature, and numerous medals.

Continuously an active photographer, in June 2004 Neil was awarded the $4C gold medal for having the Color Slide of the Year. A generous volunteer, in March 2005 he called scores at the Golden West International Exhibition.

Neil often mentioned that the best part of his photography hobby was the wonderful friends he made. He is survived by his PSA-member wife Betty and a daughter.

Joanne Stolte, PPSA

Glendora, CA