Baron Marcel Bich; Founder of Bic Company

Baron Marcel Bich, 79, mastermind of the Bic disposable pens, razors and lighters. The son of an Italian baron, Bich was born in Turin, Italy, but was educated in France and opted for French citizenship. He began his business career as a fountain pen salesman. Bich started the Bic company in 1953 after buying the patent rights to a ballpoint pen invented by Hungarian Ladislao Biro. Bich made the throw-away pen world famous, and eventually expanded his line to include throw-away felt tip pens, razors and cigarette lighters. An avid sailor who entered the America’s Cup race several times, Bich also marketed wet suits for windsurfers. In the 1970s, he added lingerie and perfume companies. Bich remained head of the family company until last June, when he named his son Bruno as chairman. On Monday in Paris.