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He worked in off-hours to develop his prototype light, hand-poured and then cured in an old kitchen oven. The
result was the first o-ring sealed underwater light to incorporate a sealed beam bulb. Lights were molded and assembled
in the back of the dive shop and marketed through Dacor. In response to the increasing demand for "Ike’s light", he
formed Ikelite Underwater Systems in 1962.
Over the next 40-some years, Ike fervently drove innovation and provided quality products to the dive industry. Ikelite
offered the first dive compass with a rotating bezel and direct reading degrees, which has since become the accepted
standard. Lid-snap closures on housings, aiming lights for underwater strobes, interchangeable sync cords, wireless TTL
slave sensors, and flashlight switch locks are only a handful of the now common features Ikelite introduced to the diving
world.
Ike was personally recognized for his achievements in 2001 with the DEMA 'Reaching Out'' award. Ike responded:
There are those that thought a roast or a lynching might have been more appropriate. The award is flattering and also
embarrassing considering the accomplishments of industry super stars like Bob Hollis, Allen Uke, and Dave Parker.
The irony goes back to when Archimedes and I were in school together. I’ve always been bitter because Archimedes got
all the credit for the buoyancy experiments we conducted together. Archimedes may have his buoyancy principal, but he
does not have one of these awards.
The industry must recognize that underwater photography remains the easiest vehicle to promote diving… This media sells
the sport, sells diving trips, and it keeps people diving. People will move on to new sports if diving does not provide
rewarding and exciting challenges.
Ike always conducted business in a manner that was completely 'legal, ethical and moral'. His commitment to quality
and customer service was unparalleled. Most importantly, he realized that Ikelite would be nothing without its (now)
eighty-plus dedicated employees—many of whom have worked at the company for over twenty-five years.
Ike was the first corporate sponsor of this site, and remained an active contributor until just weeks before his passing.
I had the pleasure of meeting him in person at the DEMA show in Miami in 2003 and we enjoyed a lengthy conversation.
At the time I was surprised that he would take so much time to talk to a guy with one little web site, but I shouldn't
have been surprised. After speaking with Ike, one could not help but be impressed with his humility, generosity and
humanity. Our telephone conversations always began "Hi, it's crazy Ike...".
There is no doubt that Ike had a greater impact on underwater photography than anyone. His 'clearly superior' housings
made underwater photography affordable and accessible for countless divers over the years, and never more than in the
'digital age'.
As 2007 begins, the Ikelite family is working together to keep Ike’s spirit and tradition alive. Daughter Jean Brigham
says:
We are still developing prototypes in the “back of the dive shop” (sold in 1990). Look for the introduction of new and
exciting products throughout the New Year.
Ike’s presence in the dive community was often subtle, but it made a profound impact. Truly 'one-of-a-kind', Ike is
irreplaceable. I am proud to have called him my friend. Farewell Ike, we will miss you.
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