PETALUMA, Calif.—Gary McGaughey of Essilor Laboratories of America died here on Feb. 17 after suffering a heart attack while playing golf. He was 54-years-old.

An optical industry veteran, McGaughey’s optical career began in 1974 when he was hired as a lab tech by Katz and Klein in Monterey, Calif. He later spent time as the owner/operator of Gem Optical in Salinas, Calif., and as general manager of Martin Optical Service in Fresno and Empire Central Coast in Santa Maria.

McGaughey joined SOLA Optical (now Carl Zeiss Vision) in 1996. He spent 11 years with the company, primarily in technical services focusing on lab issues. In 2007, he joined Essilor.

McGaughey was well known and respected in the optical laboratory community. An excellent golfer, he was much in demand at industry tournaments.

He is survived his father, Jack McGaughey, daughters Meghan Rockwell and Cristin Garcia, son Kevin McGaughey, grandchildren Mikayla Rockwell and Alexa Rockwell and brother Timothy McGaughey.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 7, at 2 p.m. in Mission Memorial Park in Seaside, Calif.