Richard Spohrer, the co-founder of UK visual effects software company The Pixel Farm, passed away suddenly on 31 December 2008 aged 43.

A former magazine editor, he worked for Softimage and Orad before setting up The Pixel Farm in 2002.

He is survived by his wife Nikki, two daughters and a stepson.

After training as an Architect, Richard became very interested in computer animation in the early days went on to edit CGI magazine.

In 1999 Richard was approached by Softimage where he named and launched its flagship product XSI.

After two years he left to join Orad before setting up The Pixel Farm with fellow Softimage person Michael Lancaster.

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