A memorial service will be held tomorrow morning for print franchise magnate Bruce Petfield, who has died at his family home in Brisbane.
One of the first printers to buy into Kwik Kopy, Petfield built an empire he used to become a leader in the franchise, influencing its direction in Australia, USA, and Canada during the 1980s.
He was an early chairman of the Kwik Kopy Owners Association, a regular winner of annual sales awards, and one of the of the most profitable franchise networks in the country.
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Kwik Kopy Australia chairman Stephen Penfold says while he and Petfield regularly growled at one another, they never lost their mutual respect and friendship.
“He always had an opinion that was well thought through, and was always willing to listen to others’ points of view, and had a willingness to accept them when he felt he was wrong and they were right,” he says.
“Bruce was a special contributor to our shared business and we all owe him a deep debt for his contribution in helping to make Kwik Kopy the business it is today.
“I have wonderful memories of the late night debates we shared often with too many reds, where we re-invented nearly everything, and often with others from that band of adventurous early owners.”
Petfield was also an active member of PATEFA, the forerunner to the PIAA, representing Queensland during the 1990s as a regional councillor and as regional president in 1994-95 before retiring in 2000.
PIAA president David Leach says the Petfield name was well known and respected throughout the industry, in part through his early influences but also by his son Ashley, who continued his father’s commitment to both Kwik Kopy and the PIAA.
“Our condolences on behalf of myself, the PIAA board and everyone at the association go to Bruce’s wife June and their extended family at this sad time,” he says.
“I firmly believe that the greatest compliment to someone who has passed, is to live our life and keep their memory alive.
“Bruce’s commitment to our industry and the contributions he made to its advancement will continue to be recognised as a truly great legacy.”
The memorial service is 10.30am tomorrow at St Andrews Anglican Parish of Indooroopilly, 89 Fairley Street, Indooroopilly, Queensland.
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