On behalf of the board of the ACO, I’d like to send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Walter Klassen.

I never met him in person but I’ve been a big fan of his kit for a long time and my Flex vest has been the bedrock of my steadicam operating. After many years on the GPI Pro front mounted system and a couple of bad back injuries (not the vest’s fault but my back doesn’t like front mounts), Larry McConkey suggested the Klassen vest and said it had added 10 years to his career. I spoke to Walter at length and got measured up for my own. I’ve never looked back and have never worn another vest since - not for one day.

After that, I would be in touch with him for little upgrades or his thoughts about this or that and he was nothing but friendly, kind and enthusiastic. He came up with the piece to adapt my easy rig to my vest so I finally had a solid vest to hang it from, and of course his ’slingshot’ system is lauded by many. He was a great engineer and a lovely guy. He and his skills will be sorely missed across the industry.

RIP Walter.


Obituary by James Layton ACO, Assoc BSC
ACO Board member