The laser display community lost one of its early pioneers with the death of Gary Donald Stadler, who passed away May 31, 2026, at age 76. His obituary was published August 27, 2026, and ILDA learned of his passing in early October 2026.

Gary was active in laser entertainment during its formative years, when producing a laser show often meant designing and building much of the equipment yourself. He was a laserist, electronics designer, equipment builder and mentor whose work influenced a number of people who later had successful careers in lasers.

In the 1970s, Gary worked as a Laserium laserist at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater in San Diego. A contemporary account describes him discussing the mirrors, prisms and mechanical effects used with the theater’s krypton laser to create and expand the projected imagery. He helped improve Laser Images' projectors, adding effects and increasing capabilities.

In 1976, Gary established Electronic Counter Co. (ECC) in San Diego. The company designed and manufactured electronics and laser equipment, including power supplies and projection systems. FDA variances from the early 1980s document his Electronic Counter equipment being used by other show producers. LaserDream Productions, for example, operated an Electronic Counter Model 3600 projector under its federal variance 81P-0195.

Gary’s engineering also found its way into other manufacturers’ products. Schematics for the Omnichrome 150R ion-laser power supply identify the original design as being by “Gary Stadler (ECC).”

Perhaps more important than any individual piece of equipment was Gary’s willingness to share what he knew.

Geoff Puckett, founder of LaserDream Productions, describes Gary as his mentor. Puckett became a regular visitor to Gary’s workshop, where he worked with Gary and electronics designer Ron Quillin to develop and build laser projection equipment. Puckett subsequently toured with this equipment through the mid-1980s, producing shows associated with performers including Cheap Trick, Deep Purple and Paul Anka.

Gary also helped establish a relationship with Laser Media, allowing LaserDream’s analog effects to be combined with the computer-generated laser imagery that was beginning to appear at the time. In 1983, Gary and Puckett participated in a laser display celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Hollywood sign, projecting high-powered green laser beams from the mountain.

Randy Johnson, who later became an inventor and co-founder of BlissLights, describes Gary as a lifelong friend and mentor. Johnson recalls experimenting with Gary in the mid-1970s, taking large water-cooled ion lasers and generators into the Southern California mountains and even experimenting with projecting laser imagery onto clouds.

Gary also mentored laser engineer Fred Lord, who went on to work with Norman Kelley on early laser projection systems.

These relationships help explain Gary’s place in early laser history. His workshop became an informal place to experiment, build equipment and learn at a time when there were few established ways to enter the laser display profession.

Gary’s engineering career eventually extended well beyond lasers. IIn 1994, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Gary, Wally Mills and Gustave Parada with a Technical Achievement Award certificate for the Cinemills Lamp Protection System used in motion-picture lighting. Mills was credited with the concept, with Stadler and Parada credited for its design.

Gary later became known to another audience as a composer and recording artist, creating New Age and Celtic-influenced music. He released numerous recordings and continued composing even while dealing with serious illness.

Gary’s laser career largely preceded the founding of ILDA in 1986. He was an important part of the generation that helped establish the technical and artistic foundations of the laser display industry. His influence was felt through the equipment he designed and, especially, through the many people he helped and mentored.

ILDA remembers Gary Stadler for his contributions to the early development of laser entertainment, and for generously sharing his knowledge with others who carried the medium forward.

We encourage all Members to consider running for the ILDA Board of Directors. This year, three of the five Board seats are up for election.

You can nominate yourself, or another ILDA Member (they would have to agree to run, of course).

Candidates must be ILDA Members for at least the last two years (2025 and 2026).

To find out more, go to the ILDA Board page. There you will learn about the current Board, the Board's responsibilities, the 4 am (Eastern) 27 October deadline for nominations, and how to submit nominations.

ILDA has joined with Gallagher Insurance to bring health care policies to our U.S. Members. This is an Association Health Program where Gallagher finds policies that meet your particular health care needs and desires (including extras such as dental and vision).

If you like your current health care insurance, that’s fine. But if you’d like to hear about alternatives that may save money and/or give increased coverage, you can now call 888-582-9813 or check out the Gallagher ILDA Health Coverage page.

Sorry, the healthcare benefit is U.S. only because of U.S. laws. On the other hand, many of our ILDA-Member countries have health care systems with coverage that may be more comprehensive and/or more affordable than the U.S. employer-based system. And if any non-U.S. Members have information about similar association insurance programs in their countries, we would be glad to get details.

ILDA Members attending the 2018 Conference in Montréal