Well known and respected paper executive Gordon Anthonisz passed away in January after several years of difficult health issues.
 
Anthonisz started in the paper merchanting industry in the 1980s with Spicers Australia and held many senior roles within the company, ultimately becoming general manager in 1997.
 
After Spicers Australia became a founding player in Paperlinx, Anthonisz continued in senior roles, before moving to Edwards Dunlop Paper as GM and eventually into the CPI Group.
 
Anthonisz had extensive management skills and specialist knowledge in the Sheet Fed and Heat Set Web markets.
 
In 2009 he moved into the role of Mill Agent representing many overseas paper mills. After working with Darren Allard in Dagaz, he forged out on his own.
 
Known for his infectious laugh and smiling face, Gordon loved his family, tennis and cars. He knew most people who worked in the paper and print industry.
 
Brian Longmore, who worked for Spicers Australia over a period of 22 years in various senior roles, met Gordon when he joined Spicers Australia in 1990 as national sales and marketing manager.

“Gordon made significant contribution to our industry,” said Longmore.

“I watched him grow to become general manager of Spicers Australia, and other senior appointments in the paper merchanting industry.
 
“They were fun days working with Gordon and a great bunch of people at Spicers — his sense of humour never deserted him even while the industry was experiencing some serious realignments in both print and paper.

“He is remembered  for his loud laugh, positive outlook on life, caring nature for family and colleagues, plus a genuine interest and investment in customers and in the mills he represented.
 
“He was fully engaged, and never complained about the hand he was dealt with – his motto became ‘It is what it is’.

“RIP Gordon.”

Anthonisz is survived by his wife Larissa, and the couple’s four daughters.
 

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