Zenon Schoepe, 1960-2016

WORLD: Zenon Schoepe, the founder and editorial director of international pro audio magazine Resolution passed away on 10 April. He was 56 years old.

After successfully completing a degree in microbiology, Mr Schoepe began his career in publishing as a journalist with the British Journal of Hospital Medicine. But a lifelong passion for music making, songwriting and home recording soon saw him gravitate towards an editorial role on the UK-based Sound Engineer and Producer magazine in the late 1980s. Following this he developed a busy freelance career writing for publications such as Billboard, Mix and Pro Sound News, among others. After a period working as executive editor on Studio Sound magazine, in 2002 Mr Schoepe launched and edited Resolution magazine. It quickly became recognised as one of the world’s most respected brands serving the worldwide professional audio community, with an enviable reputation for insightful analysis, unbiased reviews and informed opinion.

‘I’ve had the extraordinary pleasure of working with Zenon for the past 12 years,’ commented Jeffrey Turner, USA operations for Resolution. ‘He was a loving person to his family and friends and a dedicated servant to the pro audio community. As one colleague aptly noted, Zen had an “outstanding personality”, an observant and unassuming demeanour that was trumped by his great sense of humour, intelligence, consistent and uncompromising integrity, and unbiased approach to journalism. His voice will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and the pro audio community, and in the pages of Resolution magazine.’

As well as having a passion for pro audio, Mr Schoepe was a keen cyclist, often taking part in public races on internationally known routes such as the Paris Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. A love of live music, travel, cooking and fishing was underpinned throughout by his unwavering commitment in his role of devoted husband and father. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr Schoepe is survived by his wife, Susan Schoepe, daughter Olympia, son Florian, father Bogdan and sister Bozena.