Karl Wallach, 1925-2024

A partner with Jim Woolner at Beconta, the first company I worked for when I came to the US, Karl imported and distributed Puma shoes and Nordica, Look as well as Völkl into the United States. 

While Jim played “good cop”, Karl was the “bad” one. I remember him driving a Citroen SM before downgrading to a Cadillac. He loved to ski and play golf as well as tennis. He also had a passion for boating and fishing throughout his life. 

He died peacefully in his home on August 1, 2024, at the age of 99. Karl was born in New York City on March 9, 1925, was a WWII Navy Veteran and graduated from Columbia University. Karl lived in Manhattan and Scarsdale, New York, Aspen and Carbondale, Colorado, and finally in Cape Coral, Florida. 

Quite active, Karl skied he was 89 and had to stop after he was hit by a snowboarder and quit. Just like Karl, we can only hope to live and stay well until we hit 99!