2023 COMMERCIAL: VALE JOHN COOTE

Well-liked and much respected local industry notable, John Coote, passed away at the age of 76, after a pioneering print career which took Australian prepress into a new era.

A key figure in the transition of the printing industry, especially the prepress sector, into the digital age, he will be remembered for his friendly, jovial nature and straightforward manner.

Founder and owner, along with Russell Cavenagh and Barry Paterson, of the groundbreaking Sydney prepress company, Network Graphics in the 1980s, he pioneered many of the developments in scanning and electronic output that changed the course of the industry.

At a time when dramatic changes were remaking the way printing and prepress was conducted, John successfully rode the turmoil for many years. Network Graphics was a benchmark for the new industry, and he led the way in integrating processes and industry models.

Russell Cavenagh, managing director of Mutoh Australia, and former Network Graphics partner recalls his time there with pleasure. A $2m start-up, a massive sum for the time, it created a model for ‘new age’ businesses with such innovations as carpeted offices; “unheard of in the industry,” laughs Cavenagh. The Marrickville business quickly grew to employ more than 30 people in its first two years.

John was also a driving force behind GASAA (Graphic Arts Services of Australia), the erstwhile association for the new professional prepress sector. Many colleagues will recall his generosity and good nature, and treasure memories of his sociable nature. It was mainly down to John that the GASAA annual conventions became such a notable feature of the industry calendar.

When Network Graphics itself fell victim to rapidly changing technology and business practices, John was forthright in the orderly winding up of the business, ensuring employees and suppliers were paid in full, where possible. It was a measure of the individual that he didn’t put his own interests ahead of others.

He spent many years in far north Queensland before returning to Sydney in recent years.

He is survived by his wife Lynda, children Matthew and Naomi, and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Wanda Surf Club in Cronulla on Tuesday. For further information please contact Russell Cavenagh Russell_cavenagh@mutoh-au.com or 0478 038 042.