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Gaston Glock, an iconic figure in the firearms industry, passed away on December 27th at the age of 94. His life, mirroring the intensity of a thriller, leaves behind a legacy shaped by innovation, success, and philanthropy, as well as a vast fortune estimated at 1.5 billion euros. (1,660,678,500.00 Dollars) He is survived by his much younger wife, Kathrin Glock, aged 43, raising questions about the future of his inheritance.

Gaston Hellmut Glock was born in Vienna on July 19, 1929. He grew up in poor circumstances and became an international entrepreneur.

Gaston's journey from being the son of a railway worker to becoming a billionaire gun manufacturer is a tale of remarkable ingenuity and ambition. His game-changing invention was the Glock 17, a lightweight, high-capacity handgun that revolutionized the firearms industry in the early 1980s. This innovation, Glock's 17th patent, catapulted him to billionaire status and garnered widespread acclaim, particularly in the United States, where it became the preferred sidearm for law enforcement.

However, the Glock pistol's ubiquity also darkened its legacy, as it became the weapon of choice in several tragic incidents, including mass shootings and high-profile assassinations. Despite these controversies, Glock's connection to notorious dictators and criminals of his era remained unproven.

Ex-wife Helga with her son Robert Glock.

Gaston's personal life was equally tumultuous. In 2011, he left his wife of 49 years, Helga, with whom he had three children, for Kathrin Tschikof. This sparked a contentious divorce battle involving a sizable fortune. Details of the settlement remained private, and Glock maintained a reclusive persona throughout his life.

Actors Alain Delon, Franco Nero, and Hugh Grant at the opening of the Christmas market at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf near Salzburg (Austria) on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Next to Michael Aufhauser, owner of Gut Aiderbichl, stands Kathrin Glock.

Glock's second marriage to Kathrin brought him into the public eye, mainly through their involvement in equestrian events, attracting celebrities worldwide. Despite his increased visibility, he preferred to remain out of the spotlight.

Kathrin Glock with Naomi Campbell.

In 1999, Glock survived an assassination attempt linked to international arms dealings. After recovering from two strokes, he gradually retreated from the public eye, residing in a villa by Lake Wörthersee. Kathrin increasingly represented the Glock brand publicly, chairing the supervisory board of Glock GmbH and hosting lavish events at their equestrian center in Carinthia.

A Glock 17, with which Gaston Glock achieved international success.

The couple was also known for their philanthropic efforts, generously supporting animal welfare organizations, hospitals, scientific research, young inventors, and social projects.

Julia Roberts also used a Glock in the movie "Secret In Their Eyes."

Gaston Glock's death marks the end of an era for the firearms industry, leaving behind a complex legacy of innovation, controversy, and philanthropy. His passing raises questions about the future of his empire and the fate of his substantial wealth.