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Well, here's an obscure reference at least...
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A Tribute to John E. Tison, Jr.
John E. Tison, Jr., founder and owner of Sunray Lighting of Irvine died in his Laguna Niguel home on Wednesday, July 31, after suffering a stroke more than three years ago; He was 82.
If you ever had the opportunity to meet John Tison, you’d remember him. He was a character that isn’t forgotten easily, he is the prototype of an entrepreneur. But, fitting into any mold did not concern him. He figured if you’re the best at what you do, there is little need to worry about the competition. That worked for him.
John had spent the last 55 years being a light bulb specialist. He was always guided by one of his favorite credos, “If you don’t have it, you can’t sell it.” He scoffed at the idea of inventory turns. That makes sense, when obsolete and hard-to-find items are your inventory mainstay.
At his first store in Culver City, California, he set about stocking his shelves with a minimum number of every miniature light bulb made. His theory was, when the desperate customer called, he could help them out with at least a few of what they wanted. John knew the real meaning of service. Early on, he discovered that often it took months, sometimes years, to get certain lamps into his stock.
John was born in Flint, Michigan, and the family moved to Los Angeles in the 20’s where he grew up. He was a graduate of HS university in Los Angeles, and attended UCLA.
He was trained as a tool and die maker with his family’s machine shop, Tison Bros. Engineering in Los Angeles. In World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served as an aircrew member, gunner and bombardier on B-17s; he flew missions over Europe.
He started his advertising business more than 50 years ago renting and operating WW2-vintage anti-aircraft searchlights at Hollywood film premieres, supermarket openings and new car introductions at Southern California auto dealers; the business evolved into retail and wholesale electrical sales, light bulbs, and lighting supplies.
After a move to Orange County, California in the mid-1970s, Sunray produced its first miniature lamp catalog. The catalog contains a listing of all known miniature and sealed beam lamps available to date from all major manufacturers. The Sunray catalog was the tool that allowed Sunray to reach a national marketplace. It’s become a commonly used tool in the industry.
By not being in the limelight, John missed the acknowledgement he so well deserves as an industry leader. Even though success may have been it’s own reward for John, we salute you, John Tison, for your contribution to the electrical Industry.
His wife, Barbara; a son, Tim; a daughter, Terri; and two grandsons survive him.
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