Colleagues at Leicester printers Label Apeel are mourning the death of Karen Capey, who has died aged 54.
Karen had worked as business development manager for the Thurmaston-based label maker for 13 years, focusing almost exclusively on clients in the beer, wine, and spirits sectors.
Label Apeel managing director Stuart Kellock said she enjoyed significant success and was a regular face at drinks industry events, presenting awards and doing multiple exhibitions.
More recently she focused on working with the distilling industries where she managed a number of key accounts. He said she was well-liked and respected by her customers.
Karen started her career in print in 1988, joining the fifth generation of the family business Hemmings and Capey. She worked alongside her father Jim and mother Janet for 10 years, gaining experience across all departments.
Mr Kellock said: “I remember quite distinctly that first day working with Karen.
“I was a gangly, 17-year-old apprentice, and she was the epitome of 80s chic and the boss’s daughter.
“She was funny, kind and more than happy to get her hands dirty.
“The company was largely engaged in producing football programs, and the high intensity of copy on Wednesday and full-colour programmes out on Friday night was a great learning environment for us both.”
After Hemmings and Capey closed its doors in 1998, Karen built on her reputation as a great salesperson and worked for several commercial printers across Leicestershire. A chance meeting with Stuart Kellock again in 2010, led to her joining the Label Apeel team.
Mr Kellock said: “Initially, Karen was nervous about leaping from commercial packaging to label printing but her fantastic work ethic, magnetic personality and her fierce advocacy for her customers meant she was able to transfer seamlessly into her new role.
“Over the 13 years she worked with us at Label Apeel, she has had a profound impact on many of her colleagues.
“She provided a great role model for new people joining the business and was the life and soul of many company events. Karen’s passing will leave a hole in our hearts.
“She was the kindest, friendliest, funniest, and most honest person in printing. The world will be a dimmer place without her to light it up.”
He said anyone wishing to send their condolences or share memories of working with Karen can e-mail him at stuart@labelapeel.co.uk.
