Iconic Salt Lake City bookseller Sam Weller passed away at the age of 88. The Salt Lake City Tribune has a very nice story detailing his life. From his coming to North America from eastern Germany, fighting in WWII, evetnually taking over his family’s book shop in 1946, and adding his name to it’s title: Sam Weller’s Zion Bookstore

In those days, Weller was easy to spot, thanks to his fiery red hair and an energetic — albeit opinionated — personality. Employees and customers alike say his larger-than-life presence filled the store. But he always put the customers first, grabbing them by the elbow and escorting them to shelf after shelf until he found something they would enjoy.

“He would race around the store 90 miles an hour,” remembers Betsy Burton, a former employee who owns The King’s English Book Shop in Sugar House. “But I’ve never known anyone better with a customers. He would do anything for a customer.”

The the entire book community has lost a great person. Our respects and sympathys go out to the Weller family.