Coin-Op Distribution Pioneer Bob Deith Dies

LONDON -- Bob Deith, a legendary distributor in the coin-op amusement industry, died on Mar. 6 at his home here. He was 77.

Deith arrived on the coin machine scene in the early 1960s, after leaving the Merchant Navy. He first worked for change machine manufacturer Autonumis, then managed London Coin before launching his own distribution business with the late Bill Ruffler in 1974. It was based in Putney, London. Several years later he founded Deith Leisure.

Deith Leisure became a major force in the UK distribution sector, riding the ups and downs of the amusement machine industry for three decades. Deith twice took his company public, before selling it to Sega in 1991, then buying it back with support from Spanish gaming giant Cirsa, before finally disposing of the company.

Deith's three sons followed him into the amusement business and themselves became industry leaders. The eldest, Simon, moved in 1983 to the United States where he set up Deith Distributing, an import/export firm now based in Port Washington, NY. At home in the UK, Leon and Matthew worked for the family business, among other companies. Today, Matthew is a consultant for Harry Levy Amusements, while Leon serves his calling as a holistic coach.

"As a young journalist, I remember spending time with Bob and his beautiful wife Ely during the ATEI show in London," said Vending Times' president and publisher Alicia Lavay. "They were so gracious and humble to both me and my father, the late Victor Lavay. Bob Deith will be missed by many."

In addition to his three sons, Bob Deith is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ely, and five grandchildren.

PHOTO:Bob Deith, second from left, is pictured with sons, from left, Simon, Matthew and Leon during an ATEI show in London at the Intergame stand.