FEB. 16 I PAUL SPECHT I TRIBUTE
Paul Specht Remembered

Hoshino USA Director of Communications Paul Specht passed away on Feb. 10 while in the hospital for treatment of leukemia. Specht had been in remission and was actively working from his home when his cancer returned. He was 58.

“We’ve all been banking on the idea that Paul was going to lick this thing,” said Bill Reim, president of Hoshino USA. “So, we’ve kept his desk open, pretty much as he left it, in preparation for his return. It’s hard for us to believe he’s never coming back.”

Specht worked for 27 years at Hoshino USA. He had been honored by the company both as an employee of the year and for outstanding service. He was co-author of a book, Ibanez: The Untold Story, a history of Ibanez guitars. He was also an accomplished musician, who played the saxophone, harmonica, flute and clarinet with several bands.

Reim remembered Specht for his strong principles, as well as being friendly, funny and intelligent. “Paul was a good friend and someone I knew I could always bounce professional issues off and come away with a sound perspective,” he said.

Specht is survived by his son, Stephan. MI