Universal Images Group and the Virtual Picture Desk has announced the passing of George Sinclair.
The full announcement from UIG:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Sinclair, founder and executive director of Universal Images Group, Ltd. Following a brief illness, George died from cardiac arrest on Thursday November 20, 2014, at 9:30pm in London.
For nearly 40 years, George had a tremendous impact on our industry, holding leadership positions in a number of companies, including Getty Images, Corbis, Atex, Sinclair Communications / Imaging / Services and Muirhead Group before starting the Virtual Picture Desk consultancy and the Universal Images Group business. As a pioneer within his industry he has been part of the development of Encyclopedia Britannica’s Image Quest service, trans-global color imaging transmission in the 70’s, digital imaging technology such as the virtual picture desk (an interface between satellite weather systems and the news print industry), the early implementation of the first digital cameras in the 1980’s and a number of projects with the goal to bring photography to the 21st Century. George was widely known in the industry and affected and influenced many careers and mediated and negotiated many key relationships. He was always willing to volunteer his time to better our industry. George chaired and organized many industry events for ASPP and BAPLA, including the wonderful reception at the British Embassy during the CEPIC Congress in Berlin this past June.
George Sinclair has always been a friend to the arts giving up his free time to support several projects within his work and private life as the former Director of Symphony Orchestra in New Jersey, Trustee and Secretary of College Men’s Club, Westfield, NJ and as the Co-Founder of Bromley Children’s Diabetic Society.
George will be terribly missed and is survived by his wife Ruth Hytry, his children daughter Olivia, Cameron and Alexander, and his many grandchildren.
A service will be held in Putney Vale Crematorium (Stag Ln, London SW15 3DZ, United Kingdom) on November 29th, 10:45am. A reception will follow. All are welcome if you would like to pay your respects.
Instead of flowers, a fund to the Macmillan Foundation has been set up to receive charitable donations in his name. Please follow this link https://macmillan.tributefunds.com/george-aurther-sinclair