Printing Industries' Jim Atkinson passes away

Atkinson (pictured) will be buried in Hobart this Thursday (23 September) after passing away at the end of last week while on holiday.

Atkinson was flying to Bali with his wife, Anne, when he was taken ill. A doctor travelling on the same flight went to his aid, but Atkinson died shortly after.

Printing Industries chief executive Philip Andersen said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the news.

"Jim was a friend, colleague and a mentor, and his passing is a terrible shock to me and to everyone who knew him," he said.

"Having to inform his national council colleagues, Tasmanian and regional councillors, and our staff on Friday was personally very difficult and distressing."

"The industry has lost a passionate leader, great friend and a staunch advocate," he added.

Andersen added that Atkinson's overhaul of the association's management structure would soon be completed in his absence.

"Jim strongly believed that good decision making must start from the top, and from the time he became national president he had worked to achieve this goal and to re-energise the association's management and decision making process," Andersen said.

"He was successful in realising this and the new structure he presided over during its development over the past two years will come into effect from 1 January next year."

Born in 1942 in England, Atkinson spent more than 40 years working in the printing industry.

He began his industry career as a management trainee with London-based Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd, the largest commercial security printer in the world, before moving on to postings in Ireland and Saudi Arabia.

In 1977, he emigrated to Australia with his Australian-born wife and settled in Tasmania.

In 2006, he formed his own consultancy business, as well as becoming Tasmanian president of the Printing Industries association. In 2008, he was elected national president.

Atkinson's funeral will take place at 2pm on Thursday at St Georges Church, Battery Point, Hobart. He is survived by wife Anne and daughter Carolyn.

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