RIP: Columbia Sportswear’s Ma Boyle

by The Editors on November 3, 2019

We are saddened learn that Columbia Sportswear’s guiding force of nature Gert Boyle died today (Sunday morning, November 3, 2019), according to a story in the Oregonian. She was 95.

Boyle’s dedicated work with product and more importantly her full embrace of quality advertising and willingness to be the face of her company inspired thousands.

A resilient, demanding, charismatic woman in what was long an outdoorsman’s world, Boyle ran Columbia Sportswear from 1970 to 1988, firmly establishing the company’s brand. . . Before her son, Tim, took charge as president and CEO, Gert inspired the 1984 ad campaign, “One Tough Mother,” a catch phrase that also graces her 2005 autobiography.

Seeing her at the old SIA Shows will remain one of the highlights of our time on the show floor. Our thoughts are with the entire Boyle family. 

[Link: The Oregonian]

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

EEIMASCP November 6, 2019 at 1:09 pm

I kids you not in 1986, one my buddies and were shopping at their store in in SE Portland and she asked me what I was looking for and I told her some new pants to go snowboarding in and she looked at me and said ” that sport is going nowhere” I laughed and bought some pants.

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