Former Printing Industries Queensland Board member and industry identity, Bruce Petfield, died last weekend at his family home in Brisbane.
Mr Petfield was one of the first five owners to buy into Kwik Kopy and quickly established a Kwik Kopy 'empire' from where he created a leadership role in the franchise that influenced its direction within Australia, the 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 a leader in profit performance.
An active member of PATEFA, the forerunner to the Printing Industries Association of Australia, he represented Queensland during the 1990s as a Regional Councillor, was elected Regional President 1994-1995 after holding the role of Senior Vice President and continued as Regional Councillor and National Councillor with Printing Industries until retiring from the Board in 2000.
Chairman of Kwik Kopy Australia, Stephen Penfold, in tribute to his friend and partner, said that while he and Bruce 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 said. "Bruce was a very 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 very often too many 'reds', where we re-invented nearly every thing, and often with others from that band of adventurous early owners."
Mr Penfold said Bruce would be remembered as a man who was fundamentally decent, absolutely fair, was respected by all and who made the world a better place.
Printing Industries President, David Leach, said that the Petfield name was well known and respected throughout the industry, in part through Bruce's early influences and also by the ongoing commitment of his son Ashley, who continued his father's commitment to both Kwik Kopy and to Printing Industries.
"Our condolences on behalf of myself, the Printing Industries' Board and everyone at the Association go to Bruce's wife June and their extended family at this sad time," he said. "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."
A service will be held for Mr Petfield at St Andrews Anglican Parish of Indooroopilly, 89 Fairley Street Indooroopilly on Wednesday 22 July from 10.30am followed by a morning tea. All friends and colleagues are welcome to attend.