Filler died on 24 July. He had worked at the Japanese manufacturer for 35 years, spending a decade as managing director of the UK business before moving into a European role, becoming president in 2013. He retired in September 2016.
Filler’s colleagues at Screen said he liked to describe his career as “from cow gum to CTP – and beyond”. After completing an apprenticeship with Stellar Press, Filler joined trade platemaking firm Satellite where he became studio manager and went on to develop his sales career with John Hadland Graphic Arts, finally joining Screen UK in 1981.
He worked in increasingly senior roles at Screen as the firm went on a technology evolution from scanners, to computer-to-film and computer-to-plate, and then to high-speed, high-end inkjet presses.
Screen senior vice-president of sales Bui Burke worked with Filler for more than 20 years.
“Brian will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and our deepest sympathy goes to his family,” he said.
“Over the 21 years we worked together he taught me a great deal about sales and diplomacy and how to manage a business in a rapidly changing industry. I feel very lucky to have had him as a colleague, a mentor and a friend. He was always calm, always cheerful and always straightforward.
"I will remember him for his consummate skill as a communicator not only in his professional role, but also when telling jokes or stories and giving entertaining speeches. He was highly regarded, well liked and universally respected by everyone who had dealings with him. In short, he was a fantastic person and a great leader.
“If I had to tell people one thing about Brian, it would be that he was a lovely man.”
Fulmar founder and former CPI UK chief executive Mike Taylor, a long-term Screen customer, also paid tribute: “I spent many happy days with Brian and travelled to Japan with him several times. He was a lovely guy and an excellent salesman. We bought a lot of superb equipment from Screen and I had Brian on speed dial. I’m so sorry he’s gone and I really feel for his wife and family.”
Filler was also involved with industry associations as president of the APMI from 2006 to 2008 and chairman of Picon from 2009 to 2011.
In both roles he succeeded then-Heidelberg UK managing director George Clarke, who said: “Brian was a smashing chap, and he seemed indestructible – I remember when he turned up at Drupa immediately after he’d had his leg amputated. He was fun, with a great sense of humour, and also had good common sense. He was a very capable guy and I respected him.”
After he retired, Filler focused on his three passions: his family, golf and photography. He is survived by his wife Carol, three children and a grandchild.
Condolences can be sent to the family c/o Dale Pardy, Screen GP Europe BV, 726 Capability Green, Luton LU1 3LU.
Update: funeral details now confirmed
The family of Brian Filler invite industry friends to join them in celebrating Brian's life and to share cherished memories.
His funeral service will take place on Monday 19 August at 3.20pm, at North Chapel Crematorium, High Elms Lane, Watford WD25 OJS. Additional parking is available at St Michael's Catholic High School opposite the crematorium.
Afterwards at: Mid Herts Golf Club, Lower Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead AL4 8RS
Family flowers only.
Charitable donations in Brian’s name can either be made on the day at the service, or alternatively via a Just Giving page set up by his family at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inmemoryofbrianfiller
The family will be celebrating Brian’s life by wearing colour and invite attendees to join them in doing so if they wish.
Important note: if you are planning to attend, it would help the family if you could advise by emailing Dale Pardy at dale.pardy@screeneurope.com or by phone on 01582 725400.
