Pattern Service Owner Martin Wicksman, 74
Martin Wicksman of Wicksman Pattern Service died on June 8 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 74. Wicksman, who immigrated to the United States in 1959 from England, opened his first pattern service company in 1965. An early advocate of technology, Wicksman was one of the first to embrace computer technology for apparel grading. Later, Wicksman taught classes in pattern-making and grading at local colleges, including Santa Monica College. “He mentored many of our young designers. He was always patient and eager to see them succeed,” said his son Joel Wicksman.
Joe Rodriguez, executive director of the Garment Contractors Association, remembered Wicksman as a true gentleman. “He was one of the classiest people I ever met, and I am going to miss him,” he said.
Wicksman is survived by his wife, Davida; three sons; and seven grandchildren. Joel, his youngest son, continues the family tradition, becoming the fourth generation to wield the pattern shears. —Erin Barajas
