24 Aug 8th-Aug 14th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | FRI 8/9 SAT 8/10 WED 8/14 THURS 8/15 THURS 8/8 DON WILLIAMS & COMPANY DOORS: 7:00PM | SHOW: 8:00PM GABE LEE DOORS: 6:30PM | SHOW: 7:00PM FROM PARTS UNKNOWN WITH METROPOLIS MAN DOORS: 6:30PM / SHOW: 7:00PM CAROL PACEY & THE HONEYSHAKERS WITH AMERICAN AMIGOS, JO. SCOTT HOWARD & THE FREIGHTLINERS, DOUG PRESTON DOORS: 6:30PM / SHOW: 7:00PM THE FORTY FOURS DOORS: 7:00PM | SHOW: 8:00PM Lasting Impression Tempe Camera founder Joseph Wojcich leaves legacy of kindness. BY ANGELA ROSERED I f a picture is worth a thousand words, then to the metro Phoenix photog- raphy community, Joseph Wojcich was worth so much more. Wojcich, Tempe’s Camera’s founder and owner, passed away unexpectedly on June 19 at the age of 77. When news spread of his passing, loved ones, customers, employees, peers and local photo-based outlets such as Arizona Highways took to social media and shared their condolences. One common thread captured in these tributes was his kindness and unwavering dedication to the art of photography. According to the obituary, Wojcich was born in Germany, and after emigrating to the United States at 4years old, spent his adolescent years in New Jersey. At 17, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. He toured in Guam and Hawaii, then returned to Arizona, where he lived the rest of his days. A true American Dream story, after serving in the military, he began his photo journey by attending Phoenix College. Wojcich’s photo instructor, renowned late photographer Allen Dutton, recommended applying for a job at Wilson Camera, where he learned the art of camera repair. This eventually led him to opening Tempe Camera in 1972, Arizona’s largest photog- raphy retail store offering camera repairs, photography equipment rentals and photo lab services. What started with the humble beginnings of a 250-square-foot office grew into a 10,000-square-foot building and the accompanying TCR Photo Imaging Center, both of which are revered Tempe staples today. Known for his ability to manufacture and modify parts that have been out of production, Wojcich completed most of his camera repair work in a small workspace tucked away amongst other employees, just an earshot of the Tempe Camera’s entrance. According to Neil A. Miller, pres- ident of the Arizona Photography Alliance, Wojcich became an esteemed name in the world of camera repair, reaching well beyond the state lines of Arizona. “Most people will remember Joe as a person interested in helping. He would always find time to review camera issues and indicate the best approach to the problem,” Miller says. “He had the ability to machine parts that were not available or create designs to solve a specific task. He had a mountain of knowledge that is sadly lost now.” Aside from his talents in fixing cameras, he was also known for his acts of generosity. For decades, Wojcich donated funds, equipment, services and time to fine art events, camera clubs, photography organi- zations and schools across the Valley. One of his many contributions was gifting prizes for the yearly Arizona Highway photo contest. Susan DeLanie Smith, Tempe Tempe Camera founder Joseph Wojcich died in June at the age of 77. (Photo by Jeff Kida) ▼ Arts & Culture >> p 26