Chris Williams died peacefully at his home in Marden, Kent, on March 10, succumbing finally to the cancer which struck in 2002. He was 63.
Chris spent his entire career in the printing ink industry, joining Coates Brothers in 1960, after initially working as a summer holiday technical apprentice at the company's Easton Street, London, headquarters. He worked for several years in the R and D department, before moving to the company's new headquarters in St Mary Cray, Kent, where he began a career which made use of his special talent for technical writing.
Chris enjoyed a long and successful period writing technical articles on the company's behalf contributing several hundred trade press articles, and lecturing widely on the subject. He soon reached the position of marketing manager, and highlights of his career with Coates included the successful introduction of the 50/50 System, the only colour matching programme which seriously challenged the Pantone Matching System. Another highlight was the 'Inklings' leaflet, for many years a primary source of technical and marketing information for printers and ink makers alike.
After leaving Coates Lorilleux in 1990, Chris formed his own marketing and PR business, CHW Associates. As a PR Consultant, he produced many technical and marketing reports for various printing organizations, including Pira and the Institute of Printing, of which he was a Fellow Member, a National Council chairman, a member of the Technical Committee, and president of the Kent branch. He was also a Member of the Royal Institute of Chemistry, and the Institute of Packaging.
His 1992 publication, 'The Printer's Ink Handbook', became a popular reference for sales personnel, printers, and new entrants to the industry.
Chris also provided PR services for several graphic suppliers, including Keane Graphic Products, and most recently, my own company, Intercolor Printing Inks. Intercolor's Flexo 2005 exhibition stand was his last project, and typically, he completed it to his usual exceptional standard despite his rapidly deteriorating medical condition.
Chris Williams was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and delivered nothing short of absolute perfection in every project he undertook. When he became aware of the extent of his medical condition, he asked no more than that we continue our co-operation as normal, and make no special allowances, accompanying us to all major exhibitions, including drupa 2004.
It was my privilege to share that experience with him, and to witness again the professionalism and good humour that characterized everything he did. It is no overstatement to say that the printing industry has lost a real friend, someone who simply cannot be replaced. We will miss him greatly, and our thoughts at this time are with his wife Jenny, and his family.
Alex Stevenson
Intercolor Printing Inks
