(Read the official obituary written by Harvey Levenson here.)
It is with a heavy heart that we heard that Ray Prince has passed away.
Ray Prince was a 61-year industry veteran, consultant, and advisor who dedicated his career to helping printing companies improve productivity and quality while increasing their profitability.
Ray consulted in numerous operational areas that cover the gamut of disciplines from sheetfed and web press testing and solving paper and ink problems, to color control systems and paper waste reduction. Ray received an A.A.S. and B.S. in printing from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and an M.S. in printing management from South Dakota State University.
Ray was hired by the legendary Mike Bruno at the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) in their new headquarters in Pittsburgh. He travelled extensively, many times at Mike Bruno’s side, doing consulting.
Ray spent many years of consulting, lectures, writing, conducting seminars, and heavy travel. GATF was growing and merged with Printing Industries of America (PIA), and Ray was elevated to Director of Technical Service, with a large group of consultants reporting to him.
Ray was a member of numerous industry associations and held board of directors and leadership positions in many of them. He received many honors for his contributions to the advancement of the graphic communication industry and for his support of education.
I will miss him.
Discussion
By Mark Pomerantz on May 04, 2020
What an incredible impact and legacy this man has left in our industry, never to be forgotten. RIP Ray Prince.
By Craig Kevghas on May 04, 2020
What impressed me most about Ray, among his many accomplishments and tremendous dedication to the industry, was his devotion to his grandson. He used to quietly discuss how at his advancing age, he was investing his time as a near-father figure. While he impacted us all, my bet is his greatest impact was on that little boy. That cannot be measured and shouldn't be overlooked. No RIP, PIP (Party in Paradise) Ray. You graduate with our tremendous admiration and respect.
By Cliff Hollingsworth on May 04, 2020
I was the recipient of a GATF scholarship while attending Appalachian State University. I met Ray Prince in 1985 as a young person in the industry. I remember Ray as warm, giving and encouraging. A true legend in the history of our industry, Ray left an indelible mark on us all.
By Julie Shaffer on May 04, 2020
I worked with Ray at GATF and PIA. He served many companies as a dedicated advisor, really almost a part of their management team. I traveled with him occasionally' Ray had his favorite restaurants on the road (Pappadeaux was one) and he always ordered a "Diet Coke, this tall" indicating what would have been a 24 inch high glass. Hee never wasted a minute of time, dictating notes for his follow-up reports for clients while still at the airport headed to the next client. He will be missed by many. RIP, Ray.
By Deanna Gentile on May 06, 2020
I was sad to read about Ray's passing .. He always supported me with his wise council and by providing numerous articles for GATFWorld and the Technology Forecast. But I believe his greatest legacy is his saving the GATF Library which is now housed at Cal Poly and named for him. I was extremely grateful for his mission to save the Library and honored I was invited, and spoke at, the dedication of the library. The Library will be his lasting memorial.
Discussion
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