David Einig, a retired publisher sales representative for Simon & Schuster and Sage Publishing, died on December 6 at the age of 68 at his home in Portugal.
In the 1990s, he covered the St. Louis, Mo., area of S&S, servicing Booksource, Unique Books, and other independents in the Midwest. After S&S, he worked for a decade for Sage Publishing, and upon retiring said that working there "was the best ten years of my working experience."
S&S rep Tim Hepp added that Einig "was remembered fondly by colleagues at Sage for being a mentor to many in both sales and editorial. Dave had a knack for customer engagement and with his advocacy for authors and titles he moved the needle on getting books into the marketplace. He will be remembered for a collaborative style, an especially his warm personality and his humor, especially when imitating an airline pilot."
His family added, "All who knew David were charmed by his storytelling, his signature smile, humor, and laugh, and his breathless fascination with art, books, sports, and music."
The family asked that if gifts can be made in Einig's memory to a local cat shelter or rescue, especially for adult cats. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.