Mary Anderson, REI Co-Founder, Dies At 107

SEATTLE, WA - Mary Anderson, the co-founder of Seattle-based REI, passed away this week at the age of 107, according to the company.

Anderson was a Washington native and helped launch REI in 1938 with her husband, Lloyd. REI was one of the first stores in the Pacific Northwest to sell outdoor recreation equipment, and became famous over the years for its generous return policy.

In addition to founding the business - and even manufacturing some of its products, like tents - Anderson worked as a teacher in Seattle and was an avid mountaineer. Anderson, born Dec. 7, 1909, climbed over 500 mountains in her lifetime.

Lloyed and Mary Anderson originally founded REI to supply mountaineers with affordable, high-quality ice axes. Over the years, Recreational Equipment, Inc., expanded to include all manner of outdoor gear, from snowboards to freeze-dried food. REI has 135 locations in all but 15 states, including its flagship store in downtown Seattle, and employs approximately 11,000 people.

REI operates as a co-op, which means shoppers can buy into the company and receive annual dividends.

Image via REI