Varty had a long career in the industry that spanned the pivotal period when pre-media processes switched from analogue to digital processes, as well as the rise of inkjet for proofing and printing.
His journey began in 1986 when he joined Du Pont’s printing and publishing division. During his nearly 12 years at the manufacturer he worked in sales, was training manager, and was lead product specialist.
In 1998 he moved to Agfa, where he was product manager for pre-press and inkjet, and then global sales manager for inkjet during the period when inkjet production was taking off as a replacement for screen printing.
He moved to EFI in 2006 where he was pan-European account manager, spending four-and-half years at the manufacturer.
Subsequently he worked at i-Sub Digital Solutions, Folex, and Xennia Technology before joining Ricoh in early 2015.
He initially worked on strategy at Ricoh Europe’s industrial inkjet business and became head of business development for EMEA in the summer of 2016.
Graham Kennedy, director of industrial print solutions at Ricoh Graphic Communications Europe, and who also worked with Varty at Agfa, paid tribute.
He said: “I have known and worked with Dave closely for 25 years. At Ricoh, he was part of a small and specialist team enabling change and transformation across industrial printing markets, something that was ideally suited to his mindset and skill base.
“Dave simply had a natural enthusiasm for helping people to leverage the best solution with inkjet technology! With his passion, humour and infectious smile, Dave will be deeply missed at Ricoh and in the wider print community where he inspired us all for the last 35 years.”
Terry Garvey, European sales director at EFI, also shared fond memories. “I was very sad to hear the unexpected news of the passing of my friend and former colleague Dave Varty, he was always so full of life, fun-loving, witty and charming and was forever pushing himself with new adventures and physical challenges, always to benefit others less fortunate than himself. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew and worked with him and my thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Marcus Timson, co-founder of the FuturePrint and EcoPrint summits, where Varty had been a speaker, said: “A word defining Dave was ‘curiosity’, whether intellectual, professional or physical. Indeed, Rudyard Kipling’s words ‘satiable curiosity’ described Dave perfectly!
“Dave was hugely liked and respected by his customers and his colleagues. He was passionate about inkjet and its transformative power. Over the years he developed an enviable understanding of both the technical potential of the technology but even more importantly was able to direct the commercial potential and help customers unlock this value.”
Varty died suddenly at home on 13 December. He is survived by his parents Jackie and Ian, sister Sonja, niece Sophie and nephew Callum, and great-niece Tiggy.
His funeral will take place at 2pm on 10 January at Banbury Crematorium.
Please email brackley@eddfrostanddaughters.co.uk if planning to attend so the family can be aware of likely numbers. The funeral will also be available as a webcast, with login details available via the email above.
Family flowers only. Donations in Varty’s memory can be made to Mountain Rescue England & Wales via www.eddfrostanddaughters.co.uk or by post Edd Frost & Daughters Family Funeral Directors, 27 Market Place, Brackley NN13 7AB.
Varty’s passing marks another sad loss for the Ricoh team, which was already mourning Chas Moloney who died earlier in December.
