June 3rd, 2009 
joel It is the first anniversary of Jack Tirak’s death.
On June 3, 2008, Tirak, an Erie advertising executive and blogging pioneer, passed away at the age of 64. His career in Erie advertising and media was truly amazing. He was a creative and forward thinking executive, and was a great catalyst for excellence in what was produced out of Erie.
Although health concerns led to his early retirement, Jack energized the local Erie media community over the last few years of his life by editing his blog Erie Media-Go-Round. EMGR archives can be read here.
Many of the issues Jack was wrote about in his blog have come around in the last 365 days since his passing. He predicted the further consolidation of news operations, the difficulties surrounding the digital television transition, and the erosion of newspaper readership.
The marking of days such as this loom large in a family, so our thoughts go out to Jack’s wife and children.
I want to once again share the video tribute that the Ad Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania created for Jack as we remember his legacy and life.
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Joel, thanks for a wonderful look back and allowing us to remember.
Very nice Joel. I can’t believe it’s been a year already. When I was starting out in the industry, Jack represented many or our major clients. Many of us were brand new to TV, but he never questioned our ability or lack of experience. Quite the contrary, he worked with us – to our strengths – and using his patience and sense of humor, made us feel confident and comfortable in what we were doing. For that I will always be thankful.
Joel,
Thanks for remembering Jack. He was a real inspriation to many of us. You have carried on his work with this blog…he would be proud of your commitment.
Thank you Joel.
The room of remembrance has grown this past year.
Mary, Kyle, and Lita have been recalled often in my prayers.
I like to think of this as Jack’s first birthday……
in heaven. But, I still miss him here.
Thank you Joel.
I have only just now looked at your tribute. It is very nice. I will share this with my family. I’m glad so many were inspired by what my father did and his views, including you.
Good work.
Lita Tirak
Thanks, Joel.
As Jack’s sister-in-law I saw first hand many of his strengths, but did not know the breadth of many of his work accomplishments. It was so good to see the video and read the tribute. It will be a comfort to Mary and family, as well as a “birthday” present that I’m sure Jack, video and blog-lover that he was, would really appreciate.
Warm regards,
Eileen Kraus-Dobratz