JOHN FISHER - VALE

Leading industry figure of his day, John Fisher, has passed away, sparking message of condolence from across the industry, for a man who worked for the benefit of all in graphic arts, especially young people.

John Fisher joined the family printing business, John Fisher Printing, that his father Jack had established in 1950s under the name Specialty Pack. In early 1960s the company became John Fisher Printing, which John ran successfully for many years out of a building in Bathurst Street in Sydney’s CBD, before moving to Marrickville where it remains until this day.

He was an enigmatic person, and a great supporter of the industry, working with PIAA (as it was before it became VMA) as a past president, and he worked on the Paper Council, and the LIA, of which he was a Life Member.

 Fisher was awarded ‘Australian Graphic Arts Person of the Year’ in 2000. He contributed greatly to the industry as many of his peers Mitch Mulligan, Grant Churchill, Mike Williams, James Cryer, Warwick Roden (retired) and Peter Munro (retired) would concur.

 He was a outgoing, fun loving, and a family man, who enjoyed the company of his fellow printing industry colleagues. He took pride in his business, and was especially committed to mentoring younger print people, and he genuinely enjoyed seeing others in the industry succeed.

 Fisher described his life as a great adventure, he lived life with the motto “Life Wasn’t Meant To Be Easy”.

Tribute to John Fisher, by Greg Grace

I first met John when I was in my mid 20’s and had just joined the LIA committee (Lithographic Institute of Australia).  John was inspirational and encouraging and together with Doug Churchill, took me under their wings to guide and mentor me in a direction that changed the rest of my life. I am forever grateful for John’s friendship, guidance and care.

At this first meeting I commented that he had a voice that would be great in radio. He told me that he did a stint in radio before coming into the industry.

John had a wonderful presence, both tall in stature and tall in his care for others. He had a calmness and assuredness that made you feel comfortable and appreciative of all he said and did.

Our time in the LIA together was incredibly productive and satisfying. Working on the technical committee we were able to do a great deal for the graphic arts industry. John chaired many of the most important presentations at the LIA conventions that were held around Australia, and at workshops that were run within New South Wales.

At the regular committee Christmas dinner, held at the Mixing Pot in Forest Lodge, he would always say at the end of the main course that it was time for mum’s pud, tiramisu, loved by all.

John was president of the NSW division and was awarded Life Member of the LIA.

He was also an very active committee member both in NSW and on the national board of then PATEFA, the employers’ association, later becoming PIAA (Printing Industries Association of Australia), and later VMA. During his time on the board, he was a strong supporter of TAFE training, and worked tirelessly on the formation of the National Apprentice Curriculum for the entire graphic arts sector.

He was one of only nine Life Members nationally awarded by PATEFA, an amazing honour for an amazing man.

When he was heading for retirement John joined the Australian Society of Old Friends. Old Friends is a meeting place for industry’s older and more respected leaders to meet and share their stories, experiences and memories. It is also a forum for keeping up to date in a quickly changing industry.

Not only was he a vital member of Old Friends, he became president for a term. He regularly attended gatherings until his illness prevented him doing so.

How he ever had time to do what he did for the betterment of the industry, run a successful business and be a family man always had us all in amazement.

John did not take himself too seriously but those surrounded by him appreciated his knowledge and advice. He worked tirelessly to unify the trade at all levels for the betterment of the future of the graphic arts community.

Unfortunately, Jim Richards cannot be with us today but he asked that I could add that John was always passionate about keeping print management well trained and honest in their dealings, and that they abide by the maintenance of friendship and helping others in need.

John’s leadership and guidance will be sadly missing but his legacy will live on. Thank you, John for being a great friend, mentor and guide and a true gentleman.