Mike Gleeson, the part owner of G.T. Graphics in Collingwood, Victoria, which was sold to Blue Print some 15 years ago, recently passed away at the age of 76.

Gleeson battled with illness for several years, but despite multiple setbacks, his determination and resilience saw him overcome challenge after challenge.

Remembered fondly by his business partner and friend, Steve Thistlethwaite, Gleeson was described as a “hard businessman” who also had many endearing qualities.

“Mike, who was also known as ‘Nitro’, was a thoughtful and kind person. As a businessman, he was very competitive and was a genius with figures. He would do an estimate very accurately in his head and had a fantastic knowledge of the printing industry,” Thistlethwaite said.

Gleeson and Thistlethwaite first met while attending night school at The Melbourne School of Printing and Graphic Arts in North Melbourne during the late 1960s. They lost contact for about nine years, during which Gleeson started his own printing business under the banner of MP Gleeson Pty. Ltd.

They were reunited by an advertisement placed by an old school mate of Thistlethwaite’s, who was working with Gleeson. The advertisement said Gleeson was looking for a business partner in a printing company.

Shortly after, Gleeson and Thistlethwaite started G.T. Graphics in 1979.

G.T. Graphics was in business for 31 years. During that time, it was a strong supporter of Shinohara presses, having a total of 25 decks at one stage made up of 6-colour, 5-colour, 4-colour and 2-colour machines.

After the sale of G.T. Graphics, Gleeson retired and focussed on his hobbies. As a person who played golf his entire life, he was a member of the Huntingdale Golf Club for 50 years. Being a single figure golfer at his peak, he was also a Collingwood Football Club fanatic. Gleeson also raced horses for some years with a considerable amount of success.

“Gleeson always put his family first and while tough in business, he has a very giving nature and helped many friends, staff and even strangers over the years. He will be missed very much by many,” Thistlethwaite added.

Gleeson leaves behind his wife Carol, seven children and their extended families.

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