Norbert Olberz, founder of Sport Chalet Inc., passed away from natural causes on Friday, July 15, 2011. He was 86. Olberz founded the company in 1959, served as Sport Chalet’s Chief Executive Officer until 1999 and as Chairman of the Board until 2001.

 

Over the course of five decades he not only built a successful, publicly traded sporting goods business but was widely recognized in the industry for his innovative thinking, his commitment to his employees and community and his relentless belief in the power of recreation to lift an individual’s spirit.
Olberz is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Irene, his sister, Elizabeth Lepper, his son, Eric, and by his grandchildren Karl and Markus.


A memorial service for Norbert Olberz is scheduled for 12 noon, Friday, July 22, 2011 in the Van De Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA, 91011.