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.