O-I R&D man had patent for child-proof cap

6/8/2005

George Victor "Vic" Mumford, 83, formerly of Toledo, a longtime research and development employee for Owens-Illinois who held about 50 patents, including ones for child-proof bottle caps, died of cancer Friday in a nursing home in Ventura, Calif., a family member said.

Mr. Mumford's brother, Harold, who also worked for Owens-Illinois, said his brother was energetic and was well-respected at the company.

He worked in research and development for the glass container, closure, and plastics division. Of his patents, he was most noted for the one involving the child-proof caps.

He worked at Owens-Illinois for 32 years, retiring in 1982.

Born in Nottinghamshire, England, Mr. Mumford's family immigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old. He became a citizen in 1933.

He received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toledo in 1953 and a master's degree in industrial engineering in 1958.

He trained U.S. Army pilots in instrument navigation during World War II, his daughter, Vikki Mumford, said.

"He was very outgoing, meticulous, and intelligent," Ms. Mumford said. "He couldn't sit still. He always had to have a project going."

Family members said he was a detailed woodworker, making everything from figurines, cabinets, furniture, and spiral staircases, Ms. Mumford said.

Harold Mumford said he and his brother and their wives were involved in square dancing. He said Mr. Mumford and his late wife, Ruby, took lessons at the a local YMCA and his brother later became a long-time square dance caller.

Surviving are his daughter, Vikki Mumford; son, Keith B. Mumford; brother, Harold Mumford, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. June 18 at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. A memorial service for Mr. Mumford in Toledo is pending.