"Legend" is a much-overused description, frequently trotted out to describe those who do not warrant such an accolade.

In the case of the late John Crosfield, who died last week aged 96, it was an entirely justified descriptor. He was truly a legend in his own lifetime, and even though he sold his eponymous business the best part of 40 years ago, he was still spoken of in revered terms.

I am reminded of something the late, great and still much-missed Lawrence Wallis said on the subject of genius: "Among the most talented people that I have met in printing must rank John Crosfield, a man of immense vision who was instrumental in gaining acceptance for electronics in the industry."

Crosfield's influence on the industry lives on today, both in the shape of products that evolved from some of Crosfield's array of technological breakthroughs, and in all those ex-Crosfield people who went on to have stellar careers of their own after emerging from the Crosfield talent school.

Crosfield himself lived to such a great age - and it is mind-boggling to think of all the industry changes he witnessed - that he was able to see some of his former employees have long industry careers and then retire themselves. Brian Forsdike at Screen and Phil Eaves at Xaar spring to mind.

And Crosfield received a fitting tribute at Ipex 2010, when he appeared at the opening ceremony along with others who had received the exhibition's Champions in Print accolade.

Indigo founder Benny Landa made a great speech, and described Crosfield as "the forefather of technology innovation in our industry."

It was a fantastic plaudit from someone who is on the way to achieving legendary status himself.

Having learned that in his later years John Crosfield had an electron microscope installed in his studio at home, using it to study insects and plants which provided inspiration for his artistic works, I can imagine he would have been absolutely fascinated by the nanographic printing technology Landa plans to unveil at Drupa.

As we say our goodbyes to one legend, it's good to know that the quest for innovation he personified still lives on in print.