Very surprising and sad.
Just spoke to him at AES a year ago and very much enjoyed his presentation "The Magic of Tape".
59 is way too young!
Here's his obituary;
"YORK Michael D. Spitz, 59, died Saturday, October 12, 2013, at York
Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of
Bette L. (Ehrlich) Spitz, with whom he celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary
November 14, 2012. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday,
October 16, 2013, at Temple Beth Israel, 2090 Hollywood Drive, York. Mike
was born on August 20, 1954, in York, a son of Lillian B. (Klein) Spitz of
York and the late George A. Spitz. He was a 1972 graduate of York Suburban
High School and had attended York College. Mike always had a passion for
music recording and was the founder and co-owner of ATR Services and ATR
Magnetics, (atrservice.com), both of York. He founded ATR Services, a
company that manufactures mechanical and electronic products for analog
recorders in San Mateo, Calif., in 1991. In 2005, Mike also founded ATR
Magnetics. These companies will continue to carry on that passion. He was a
worldwide respected engineer, and has worked with many music professionals
in the recording industry to develop many products that preserve the quality
of sound recording. Mike was a devoted and loving husband, father, son and
brother to his family. Besides his wife and mother, he leaves a daughter,
Lauren N. Spitz; a son, Mark B.G. Spitz; a sister, Alyce L. Soffer; and a
nephew, David B. Soffer, all of York. The family requests in lieu of
flowers, that memorial contributions be made to the SPCA of York County,
3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA 17406; or to a charity of your
choice . The Geiple Funeral Home, Inc., 53 Main St., Glen Rock, is in charge
of the arrangements. Condolences may be shared at geiple.com
.
Published in York Daily Record & York Dispatch on Oct. 14, 2013"