Queensland and northern NSW retailers will miss veteran industry rep Werner Krex, who ended his long and distinguished career in the industry this week.
We thank Werner’s friend and colleague, Peter Cosham (Haldex) for the following short tribute: Werner began his career in the photographic industry in retail in Germany in 1961. He came to Australia in 1965 and joined R. Gunz (Photographic) Pty Ltd starting out as a storeman in the warehouse.
Werner was offered a sales rep role in 1969 and was promoted to NSW sales manager in 1973. He was a well-liked and popular rep for many years in NSW with a great knowledge of the many top products and brands R.Gunz had in their stable including Konica (in the early days) Olympus, Meopta, Kinderman, Gossen, Multiblitz, Metz, Hoya, Cokin, Tokina and many more.
In 1986, Werner was asked to move to Brisbane to become Queensland sales manager where he remained until 2001. He joined Film and Video Extras in June 2001 as their Queensland agent and also took on Barcond Photo Albums and Randolf Frames as part of his portfolio.
Werner and his wife Wendy have recently purchased a home Coffs Harbour and plan to move there for the next phase of their lives.
Werner is being replaced at FVE by Bryan Fagerlund who, like Werner, has been in the
industry for many years.
‘Werner has been a very loyal and reliable agent for us, and we are sorry to see him go. We thank him for his service and all of us here at FVE Pty Ltd wish Werner well for a long, happy and healthy retirement and we are sure you do as well,’ FVE managing director, Carry Alam wrote to customers.
PhotoCounter readers will join us in wishing Werner the very best in the coming years.
I well remember Werner arriving in Brisbane and replacing George Alder in 86 George moving south. Werner will be missed especially lately for organising the “Old Farts” Photo lunches at the German Club. Bryan has yet another new job as organiser.
Werner, enjoy Coffs apparently they play golf there too.
Good luck in your retirement. Thanks for all you help and advise over many years. I wish you a long and healthy non working future. Best regards. Noel.
Werner was a genuine rep who did what he promised. His calls wil be missed by the industry.
Bryan Fagerland comes with the same credentials. He will carry on the good repping
Well done Mate Enjoy a Great retirement .
Fond memories of my days at Gunz working with Werner.
He didn’t mind a Beer either.
Just make sure you don’t let Cosham beat you at Golf.
Best Regards.
Russell Hester
Congratulations Werner.
Now you can really get that handicap down.
If I get up north I’ll look you up.
David Tucker
Go well Werner.
You were one of the great teachers to me when I arrived in Australia in ’79. Always polite, considerate and professional. Enjoy Coffs; some great Golf at Bonneville, and if you don’t play yet, a great time to start… when you’ve completed all the jobs in the new home.
Best wishes / Mit freundlichen Grüßen.
John Swainston
Thanks and best wishes to a man that has always been upfront and reliable for the industry. It’s always sad when we loose the knowledge and expertise that is the core strength of photo retail and Werner exemplified this in everything he did.
Enjoy your move and a well earned retirement
Wade
Best wishes Werner for your well deserved time in the sun. You have been a trusted colleague for so many people in the photo industry for a very long time. Good luck to you.
Cheers Werner for all the help over the years mate.
As mentioned you always did as you said you would and looked after us with any issues that may have arisen over time.
All the best mate with the move down to coffs mate, you never know, we are close enough now where we can catch up for a beer !
All the best from Lou, Rose, Warren and kylie at Grafton Fast Photos.
All the best in your new venture,Thanks for being a friend over the years.
now Cosham will have to do as he is told again.
Good luck
Stephen Scott
G’day Werner,
Mate do you remember your trips to Lismore, and getting involved in the men’s Thursday afternoon golf comp with my mates? You couldn’t understand the sledging at first, or the 6 stubbies per nine, but you soon got into it, and just like the photo industry, everyone enjoyed your company, your wit, and the sparkle you always had in your eye.
Will look you up in Coffs for a round mate.
Mike Smith.