Doyle worked in the printing industry for more than 30 years, bringing his scientific expertise to printing plate development at Howson-Algraphy, DuPont, Horsell, and most recently Kodak.

His career took him around the world and he was instrumental in the development of a number of landmark plate technologies, including Silverlith and Electra.

A colleague described him as: "Undoubtedly a major driving force in the plate industry's transition into the digital age."

UK marketing manager Pat Holloway worked with Doyle for many years and added: "He really was an innovator of thermal CTP technology – he was Mr Thermal, and had such a passionate belief in both CTP and the business.

"He was immensely likeable, with a unique ability to talk about extremely technical things in a way that could be understood by all."

Doyle is survived by his wife Hilary. His funeral was held on Tuesday (10 November). Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact either St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, or Ward 9 at St James's Hospital, also in Leeds.