Industry Journalist Mark Smith Loses Battle With Cancer

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Press release from the issuing company

PHILADELPHIA - It is with deep regret that North American Publishing Co. (NAPCO), the parent of Printing Impressions magazine, reports the passing of Mark Smith, longtime technology editor for the magazine. Smith, 51, died Monday from complications stemming from a six-month bout with cancer.

Born in Illinois and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mark spent 10 years with American Printer magazine in Chicago, where he became managing editor. He later served as Midwest editor for Micro Publishing News and also managed Web sites for Cygnus Publishing.

He joined Printing Impressions in the fall of 2000 and immersed himself in the technologies of both the printing industry and internal processes. With an acerbic wit and an unflinching eye for detail, Mark's exacting standards enabled NAPCO to build upon its online brand. Boasting a keen eye for news value, Mark sculpted Today On PIWorld into one of NAPCO's most powerful products, blending printing, publishing and technology news into a well-rounded offering that spoke to the needs of today's printing executives.

"Printing Impressions and the printing industry itself suffered a great loss," said Mark Michelson, editor-in-chief. "Despite battling cancer and the effects of chemotherapy treatments, Mark continued to work full-time until the end because he truly loved what he did. He was brilliant when it came to understanding technical topics and how the publishing and printing industries are rapidly evolving. Mark Smith wasn't just a co-worker; he was a great friend who I had the privilege of knowing for the past 27 years. He will be terribly missed."

He is survived by four siblings. Funeral services were incomplete as of Tuesday afternoon.

Discussion

By Patrick Henry on Jan 23, 2013

Our small circle of graphic arts journalists is made smaller and sadder by Mark's untimely passing. His professionalism and fellowship will be missed. Sincerest condolences to his family and to his colleagues at North American.

By Cary Sherburne on Jan 23, 2013

Mark was well-loved and very well-respected. I will miss him terribly, both personally and professionally. This is another great loss for the industry. I join Patrick in sending my condolences to Mark's family and to his colleagues at NAPCO.

By Jeff Lewis on Jan 23, 2013

I am so saddened to hear this -- on behalf of Group M I send our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues at NAPCO.

By Betty LaBaugh on Jan 23, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was a great guy and a great journalist to work with.I agree with Cary, this is a great loss for the industry. My thoughts are with his family and his NAPCO colleagues. Sending out a group hug.

By Hal Hinderliter on Jan 23, 2013

So terrible. Mark was always great company on press junkets, and an insightful writer to boot. He will be missed.

By Keith Hevenor on Jan 23, 2013

Mark was a great media colleague and a great asset in the industry. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mark (and his often underappreciated sense of humor!) at a wide variety of industry events with our fellow members of the press. We shared a number of unique and memorable travel experiences around the world and he gave me a lot of laughs over the last 20+ years. His insights on technology and the industry certainly made me a better journalist. There is no doubt that his loss will be felt for a long time to come.

By John Hebert on Jan 24, 2013

I met Mark at Graph Expo 1987. We happened to be in the same long line, waiting for a Shuttle Bus to take us from the South Hall of McCormick back to the city. He was with American Printer; I was the PR guy launching the Compugraphic Mosaic system. The archetypically skeptical journalist, Mark was guarded, but as we chatted and shuffled toward the sea of instantly crowded and exiting buses, his dry humor and wit emerged and delighted us both. I’ve stood in many lines in many places over many years with many people, but none of those chance encounters proved as enjoyable, as real, as memorable or as enduring as the time I shared that day with Mark. His untimely death comes as a great shock, and a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest. My heart goes out to his family, his coworkers at Napco and to all who knew him.

By Mark Pajari on Jan 24, 2013

I'm saddened to hear this news... I had the pleasure of meeting Mark briefly back in the mid 90s while I was at Ambrosi in Chicago. He interviewed me for a cover story he was writing on digital photography for Micro Publishing News. I recall he was a very nice guy that knew the industry well. He will no doubt be missed greatly by friends and family and all those that knew him...

By Michael Reiher on Jan 25, 2013

Very saddened to hear this news. I met Mark back in 1992 and wrote for him (Prepress Links) on several occasions. Mark was an outstanding journalist, a good person and will be missed.