Williams had been unwell for some time, and died on 28 January. 

He retired in 2011 after a 45-year career in the printing industry that began with letterpress printing in Hull. He went on to join Pindar in Scarborough as a four-colour offset printer, and spent 32 years working at the business. 

Retired Pindar chairman Tom Pindar, who originally employed Williams at the company, paid tribute. 

He said: “Dave was ever a challenging and stimulating man. He had a big thirst for knowledge of materials, machines and how their use could benefit the customer.

“As technical director his knowledge and skill at installing, training and the efficient implementation of kit and methods of working were legendary and all-encompassing.”

Pindar also praised Williams’ ability to get to grips with everything from digital printing to 48-page web offset to bindery and mailing, along with his motivational abilities towards employees. 

“He was highly-regarded and very well-liked, and he had a sharp and ready wit! A sad loss,” Pindar added. 

Norman Revill, group sales director at YM Group, knew Williams well from his time running Manroland GB. 

He commented: “The British printing industry will never again see the likes of Dave Williams, he was the most technically capable person I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside. He was hugely respected by my German colleagues for his ability to identify a technical solution to a problem.

“Above all, those who knew Dave will remember him for his dry sense of humour and quick wit, he will be missed enormously and I for one feel very honoured to have called him my friend.”

John Ellis, managing director at Manroland Goss Web Systems UK, also paid tribute. He said: “Dave was a proper industry stalwart. He was very welcoming to me in my early days at Manroland and I will never forget that. He was extremely intelligent, great company and knew print inside out. He was part of the web offset family and we will miss him – as we did when he retired.”

Williams is survived by his wife Sandra, two sons, four grownup stepchildren and “lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he adored”.

The funeral will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 9 February at Woodlands Crematorium in Scarborough.

Donations in his memory can be made to The British Heart Foundation.