In Remembrance - Ron Seal - Obituary

Training & Development, May, 2001

Ron Seal, Production Manager

January 9, 1942- March 22, 2001

Ron Seal's colleagues and friends in Creative Services, the Magazine Group, Publications, and all across ASTD loin in honoring him here for his professionalism, positive attitude, and puckish sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by all. Here are a few words from some people who worked with Ron closely and knew him well:

Ron knew more about the printing industry than many printers. His work in the field extended from the days of handset type to the all-digital era. He guided T D through several transitions, and nothing stumped him. He coached us on paper futures, split fountains, drop-shipping, and countless other arcana of the magazine business. He could bid a job faster than a speeding bullet, and then tell you how to save money on it. Most of all, he was a safety net between editorial and the quicksand of the modern printing industry.

Patricia Galagan, Editor-in-Chief

Ron helped me keep the work of producing T D on track by being an ally, a mentor, and a friend. Countless times, he was there to tell me to stop taking things so seriously; then in the next sentence, he'd come up with a solution to whatever production, scheduling, or printing dilemma we were facing. Thanks to Ron, I never had to worry about too much, and I don't believe I ever had a conversation with him that didn't end on an upbeat note. I'll miss that.

Liz Jones, Art Director

Ron indelibly and inextricably supplied his special talents, enthusiasm, and respected expertise on T D and countless other print resources for ASTD. He provided for me an example of a true professional, applied with a dauntless work ethic and good, old-fashioned integrity and common sense. Moreover, Ron became someone I sought out and depended on not only for print requests and guidance, but also in matters more personal. I came to rely on his special brand of droll humor, sympathetic ear, and no-nonsense counsel. He was quick with a compliment for a lob well done and good enough to point out mistakes with his "everyone makes a mistake" shrug. Ron was a special friend I will miss very much.

Christopher Palazio, Advertising Coordinator