Reston, VA - NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies sadly announces the passing of William Kemp “Kip” Smythe, Jr., 67, on June 9 at his home in Cave Creek, Arizona, following a six-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Kip graduated in 1978 with an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. He joined NPES in 1980 as director of member services and remained at the association for 33 years, serving in various executive capacities before officially retiring in 2013 and moving to a home that Kip and wife Cathy built in Arizona.

During his tenure at NPES Kip was affectionately known as “Kipster” or the “Kipinator” by family members, his staff colleagues, and close industry associates. He was vice president of global programs at NPES when he retired, overseeing the trade association’s market data program, market research, international outreach services and programs, as well as safety and international technical standards. He also served as executive secretary of the International Color Consortium (ICC) for 20 years, and was president of the PRIMIR research organization for more than eight years. In 2013, Kip received the Meritorious Service Award from ANSI and was inducted into the NAPL Soderstrom Society in 1995.

A tribute to Kip that appeared in NPES News when he retired 2013 shared that, “NPES owes enormous thanks and gratitude to Kip for his dedication and commitment to our members and our industry. His knowledge of our industry is tremendous. His quiet, unassuming, often dry humor and wit cannot be replaced. As a teacher and mentor, his folksy, charming manner — and let’s not forget that sharp intellect — has encouraged and supported many of us in our careers.”

NPES President Thayer Long was highly complimentary of Kip’s industry service noting, “Kip left an indelible mark on the industry, but more importantly, on those around him. He is going to be remembered not just for his integrity and respected influence within NPES and on the industry which he loved and served, but first and foremost for the inspiration and love of his family and colleagues.”

Kip was the first recipient of the NPES Individual Harold W. Gegenheimer Service Award given to an individual outside the criteria of being a member of the NPES trade association, a fitting tribute to an individual who had done so much for the association.

Kip is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Byrne, daughters Crystal Smythe Epton and Stacey Smythe Voloshin, and four grandchildren.

For the official obituary with complete details, visit: http://tinyurl.com/y7nmx3tb, or contact NPES Senior Director, Communications Debbie Vieder at phone: 703/264-7200, or e-mail: [email protected].