Former PIA President Ray Roper Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

Ray Roper, former president of the Printing Industries of America (PIA) passed away on June 15 at the age of 64. Roper, who suffered a fatal heart attack following his morning run, served as PIA president from 1987 to 2002. Under his leadership, the PIA underwent a period of growth and expansion, including: the consolidation with the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF); the launch of the Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN) portal, and the formation of the Digital Printing Council and E-business Council; the purchase of the PIA headquarters building in Alexandria, VA; the establishment of relationships with international printing organizations; and much more.

“Our industry suffered a great loss with Ray's passing,” says Michael Makin, PIA president and CEO. “His contributions to PIA and the association community were substantial.”
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Roper is survived by his wife Judy, three sons (Greg, Mark, and Doug), and four grandchildren. The family has established a foundation for underprivileged children in his name; those wishing to make a contribution can do so to: The Ray Roper Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bank of Lancaster, Attention Joy Allen, PO Box 1869, Kilmarnock, VA 22484.