Mar 22, 2010 7:24 PM

Charlie Wicks, 65, the founder/owner/CEO of Pro Co Sound, passed away on March 11, 2010 after a battle with cancer.

Wicks formed Pro Co in the early 1970s to manufacture P.A. speakers and shifted to manufacturing cables and interconnect products in 1974. Wicks—a rare and blend of tinker, teacher, philosopher, leader and salesman—was known affectionately throughout the audio industry by his self-proclaimed title of “The Captain of the Universe.” He always challenged those around him to think outside the box, and Pro Co Sound is a reflection of Wicks’ dedication to find solutions to his customers’ problems.



In recent years, Charlie’s health impeded his direct involvement in the business. Debbe Stephenson, friend and president of Pro Co stated, “While our hope has always been that Charlie would return healthy and able to run the company he loved so dearly and put so much of himself into, he will remain in our hearts as we continue to carry on his dream.” Wicks cared deeply for his employees, customers and vendors and maintained a family-like environment at Pro Co.

A dog lover, Wicks was involved in the care and well being of abandoned local animals and formed the organization Canine Safe Harbor to provide care for dogs that lost their families.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Willie and son John. Funeral services were held March 14 in Kalamazoo.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Canine Safe Harbor, 8171 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009; www.caninesafeharbor.com.


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