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PageMaker Innovator Paul Brainerd Dies at 78

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus Corporation, died February 15 at age 78 in Bainbridge Island, Washington after battling Parkinson’s disease and choosing to end his life under the Death With Dignity Act.
He revolutionized publishing with PageMaker, enabling users to design and print materials and democratizing a complex process.
Pamela Pfiffner noted that PageMaker was akin to having a publishing company on desktop, marking a pivotal moment in computing history.

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Story summary

Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus Corporation, died February 15 at age 78 in Bainbridge Island, Washington after battling Parkinson’s disease and choosing to end his life under the Death With Dignity Act.
He revolutionized publishing with PageMaker, enabling users to design and print materials and democratizing a complex process.
Pamela Pfiffner noted that PageMaker was akin to having a publishing company on desktop, marking a pivotal moment in computing history.