William Nuffer, 82, Founder of Sheridan Books, Passes

CHELSEA, MI—It is with great sadness and respect that Sheridan Books observes the passing of William George Nuffer, one of its founders. He passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Northport Highlands in Northport, MI.

A Michigan native, Nuffer attended college at the University of Michigan and earned his degree in Business Administration. While he was attending the University of Michigan, he was enlisted in the Naval ROTC program and worked full-time at Braun-Brumfield, one of the two founding companies of Sheridan Books.

Upon Nuffer's graduation from the University of Michigan he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during the Korean conflict. His duty involved flying during the entire period and in addition, he was squadron material officer, squadron instrument instructor, and patrol plane commander.

Returning from service, Nuffer rejoined Braun-Brumfield and soon became vice president and director. The love and dedication for printing books became deep rooted in his life. In 1965, Nuffer felt he needed greater challenges and left Braun-Brumfield to found LithoCrafters in Ann Arbor. Nuffer went on to establish a second book manufacturing company, BookCrafters, in Fredericksburg, VA. Soon afterward, LithoCrafters and BookCrafters were merged to form one company which retained the name BookCrafters. Under his leadership, BookCrafters grew to have five locations and over 800 employees. Nuffer served as the president of the company until his retirement in 1996. In 1999 BookCrafters merged with Braun-Brumfield to form Sheridan Books.

Nuffer has also served as the president of the Ann Arbor Litho Club, the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Management Association, and held a number of board positions with the Village of Chelsea and Chelsea Hospital. In 1981, he helped to found the Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation which provides scholarships for Michigan students earning a print management degree.

When Nuffer was not working he was able to indulge in his passion for flying, hunting, boating and deep water fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his children: Bob, Pam, and John, two step-children: Bob and Patty, five grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and one great-grandchild.

In tribute to Nuffer and his accomplishments, Sheridan Books flags are at half-staff.