It is with great sadness that we report on the untimely passing of Philip Burrell of ColourGRAFIX on the Gold Coast. He leaves his wife Jean, son Mark, daughter Gail and two grandchildren.
Philip Burrell (R) with wife Jean and son Mark soon after opening ColourGRAFIX
Phil has a 30-year history in the supply-side of signage and graphic arts equipment and consumables having worked for 3M, CyraChrome and DES before, in 2007, establishing his own supply company at Molendinar on Queensland’s Gold Coast, selling and supporting Mutoh, Epson and Agfa printers, Rollover laminator-applicators and a broad range of sign print media.
ColourGRAFIX was established as a family business with Phil’s wife Jean in administration and son Mark initially training as a technician and, since Phil’s retirement in 2020, running the business along side his sister Gail.
Phil was a larger-than-life character and always enormous fun to be around. This was formed from his years as a performer, travelling Australia with the likes of Lucky Starr, The Drifters and others. He id comedy too - at sales conference wind-ups he was known to don Frank Spencer-type attire (Some Mothers Do ‘Av Em), and sing to the tune of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’, a parody called ‘Don’t Cry for My Vacuum Cleaner’ – while holding the suction hose.
He had a fine voice and was a more than capable guitar player, in retirement setting up his own recording studio at home and even making his own instruments.
Phil’s stage experience and humour stood him in good stead for his sales career, and he was renowned for his product knowledge and commitment to the best customer service when he entered the wide format signage and display side 30 years ago.
His passing was tragically swift, following a late 2023 diagnosis of a particularly rare and aggressive type of cancer. He was just 74 years old.
Mark and family continue to run ColourGRAFIX with the same positive spirit that Phil always injected. A private remembrance has been held in honour of this lovely man who will be deeply missed by his 2 adoring grandchildren, his 2 adoring children and his adoring wife of 41 years. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Jean and family.
He will be missed by many.
