Howitt had relocated to France, and then South Africa, after retiring from the industry in 2001. He had been ill for some time.

In his pomp, he was one of print’s greatest bon viveurs and raconteurs. Although he never married, legend had it that at one time he was engaged to one of the members of dance troupe Pan’s People.

The John Howitt Group was founded in 1837 by John Howitt, his great-great grandfather, and printed tickets and timetables for Thomas Cook. In 1999 the business was acquired by Waddington, itself subsequently acquired by John Mansfield Group, which then became Communisis.

Howitt is now DST Nottingham, part of the DST Output Group. Client experience director Nick Barbeary said: “I enjoyed working for Patrick for a couple of years just before he sold the business. A very loyal staff base still remain at Nottingham most of whom will remember him with great fondness.”

The “Old Howitt Sales Boys” paid a combined tribute: “A true legend of our industry, a gentle giant with time for everyone, loved and much respected by all his clients that would benefit from his great enthusiasm to wine and dine them at every possible opportunity.

“Paddy defined our industry in the ‘80s and into the ‘90s driving quality volume print to a new level and taking the Howitt business to be one that was recognised for quality, service excellence and innovation. The brand is still recognised today and his legacy lives on at DST Nottingham.

“In the days when we worked hard and played even harder Paddy was the best and literally set the bar… We can look back on those great times with memories full of laughter, Champagne and expensive dinners that will last forever.

“We will remember Patrick with a tear and a smile, knowing that he lived a full life doing what he did best, enjoying the company of like minded people in all walks of life. Rest in peace your legacy will live on.”

Former Waddington and Communisis director John Wells also had vivid memories of dealing with Howitt. He said: "Patrick was much loved, much respected and definitely a one-off! He coped enthusiastically with a very different world as part of Waddington PLC after the takeover in the late 90s.

“I remember with astonishment walking round the Nottingham factory on the first day after the acquisition to hear Patrick being greeted in tears by several employees who addressed him as 'Mr Patrick' and literally touched their forelocks and doffed their caps - Waddington's must have seemed very different,” Wells said.

Nick Linney, chairman at fellow Nottinghamshire business Linney Group, met with Howitt at many events over the years. He said: “Patrick was an enormous character whose sheer enthusiasm would take him into all sorts of situations. He was brave guy who would try all sorts of things and was successful in all sorts of ways. Anyone who met him could never forget him and anyone who didn’t quite simply “missed out”. One of life’s great characters!”

PrintWeek understands that Howitt’s funeral will be held in South Africa, but that a memorial service here in the UK will be arranged in due course.

After Howitt had retired, the Howitt business endured a rollercoaster ride. In 2001 it was acquired from Communisis in a buy-in management buy-out headed by James Elliot, whose grandiose plans for a greenfield gravure site resulted in the business going into administration in 2004.

It was subsequently rescued by Nick Dixon, Rick Taylor and Mike Hunter and went on to win the PrintWeek Awards coveted Company of the Year accolade in 2005.