Andersen says, “I have to say that this is heart wrenching news. Jim was a friend, colleague and a mentor and his passing is a terrible shock to me and to everyone who knew him.

“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.”

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

Andersen continues, “On behalf of Printing Industries, National and Regional Councillors, our staff and our members and the industry across Australia, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s wife Anne, their daughter Carolyn and her husband Tom and granddaughter, and to all the Atkinson family and friends.

“Jim was a big man in stature and a big man in heart. He will be greatly missed.”

Born in 1942 in Shrewsbury England, Jim 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, the largest commercial security printer in the world.

In 1977, he emigrated to Australia with his Australian born wife and settled in Tasmania. As a director of the largest printer in Tasmania, he was responsible for changing the focus of the company from being a general printer to a specialist and security printer exporting products to more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

In 2006, Atkinson formed his own consultancy business and in January 2008 was elected National President of the Printing Industries Association of Australia– a position he held until his untimely death.

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