TORONTO—  PrintCAN has learned of the passing of industry icon Bill Sears recently. Bill was a major force in the Canadian printing industry from the early 70's through to his retirement from Heidelberg Canada in the mid 90's. Bill started working at Sears Ltd. (not the department store) in 1962 at the Toronto branch just as the family company took over the Heidelberg and Mueller-Martini dealership in Canada. He rose through the ranks to become President and General Manager. In the mid 70's Sears Ltd  and Canada Printing Ink was sold to Reichold Chemicals and became one of the largest suppliers to the Canadian printing industry. Bill was instrumental in building the Heidelberg brand across the country. In 1983 he resigned from Sears Ltd. and in 1984 he started Heidelberg Canada in a partnership with Heidelberg Germany. He build Heidelberg Canada into the dominate  offset sheetfed press brand in the country. In 1992 he sold his ownership in the company to Heidelberg Germany. At 55 he retired from Heidelberg and stepped back from the industry. Bill Sears changed the face of the Canadian printing industry that is still felt today. Thanks to Nick Howard in helping with the back ground to this story and pictures.