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Lee King Obituary
Lee King, died at home in Evanston on Feb. 3, at the age of 94. Lee was born in Chicago on Nov. 11, 1914 and grew up in the Humboldt Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods, attending Lane Tech High School. During the mid-1930's, he studied figure drawing at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he met his late wife,
Dorothy King, nee Vilatzer. The two were married on Dec. 27, 1936, and had three children. Lee started his career as an illustrator for Chicago newspapers, creating drawings to accompany theater reviews and other stories. He furthered his artistic education and interest in design by enrolling in the Illinois Institute of Design (now the Illinois Institute of Technology), where he studied with Gyorgy Kepes and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy. In the mid-1940's, Lee took a job as an art director with Edward H. Weiss & Co., beginning a distinguished career in the advertising industry. Lee was promoted to Creative Director in the late 1950's, and became President of the agency in 1962. In that capacity, Lee helped bring to Chicago the creative revolution in advertising that giants like Bill Bernbach had begun in New York. In 1974, Lee bought the Weiss advertising agency, which he re-named Lee King & Partners. At Lee King & Partners, he earned the affection of countless copywriters and art directors, and the respect of his clients, for his fierce defense of creative excellence. Many renowned advertising talents, such as Dave Kennedy, co-founder of Weiden & Kennedy, and John Scott, a highly respected Chicago creative leader, first learned their trade at Lee King & Partners. Lee headed Lee King & Partners as CEO until 1982, when he sold the agency to Bozell + Jacobs. He continued working part-time in advertising until his retirement in 1999. After retirement, Lee was able to dedicate more time to his other passions. A largely self-educated man, he spent hours reading the Classic Canon, non-fiction history and biographical works. He also enjoyed watercolor and acrylic painting, his style and technique continuing to evolve even during the last years of his life. A 48-year Evanston resident, he also tended to the elaborate garden he had created in his backyard. Lee King was married to Dorothy for 67 years, until her death in 2004. He is survived by his three children, Karen (Eric) Loeb, Jay (Elizabeth) King and Eric King; and three grandchildren. He was greatly assisted in his last years by his devoted caregiver, GodFreda Hudson. He also enjoyed the company of P.D. II, a wonderful cat he adopted from Orphans of the Storm. GodFreda and P.D. II were his constant companions until the very end. Services are private. Contributions to Orphans of the Storm animal shelter would be appreciated. Orphans of the Storm, 2200
Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015 or http://www.orphansofthestorm.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee King
Norman Kantor & Donna Steele
February 27, 2009
(Note: Sorry that the following is long. You know I always wrote very long body copy.)
Lee hired me in 1969, fresh from my first year in advertising at Stern Walters & Simmons. I showed my book to Tom Hansen who had worked at SWS and was doing award-winning work on GATX. He immediately said I should bring it to Lee. He hired me at $15,000, a 100% increase over what I was making back then.
My office was directly across from Lee’s secretary. Lee was kitty-corner in his office. Lee filled the air with smoke from his cigars and I smoked a pipe loaded with Mixture 79, a noxious, heavily perfumed tobacco. It’s hard to conceive of now.
When Hank Hechtman. art director, and my partner for most of the years we were there, would show Lee any work, he would usually growl, “I like it!” Or,” I don’t like it!” I would gather up my courage and ask “Why?” “I just don’t like it!” was his usual answer.
So we would leave Lee’s office, go to Hank’s or mine, look at each other and work as hard as we could to make the work better and get Lee’s approval - which of course, meant everything.
When Lee liked your work, there was no question of it going to the client. Account people be dammed! And they’d better sell the work.
Hank and I would always present our work to the client. Not always the case as I was to find out found out in other agencies I later worked for.
Lee was unique. So were the Lee King years. Looking back, they were our golden years. Never again would we find such commitment to creative from the creative head of the agency.
I remember bringing in a print campaign Hank and I had done for Pennsylvania Dutch Noodles. It was a recipe campaign, Jewish recipes running in Yiddish newspapers like the Forward. The client loved it. So I brought in the campaign and asked Lee what he thought of it. He said, “It’s terrific.” So I said, “Who do you think wrote it?” He looked up like I had asked a stupid question and said, “You did.”
I said, “No, I didn’t.” Donna did. I had long ago discovered my wife, Donna Steele, was a terrific writer, and I’d always check everything I wrote with her. She always made it better.
Lee said, “Does she want a job?” I said, “ Maybe.” He said, “Tell her to come in.” He hired her on the spot. She got the office right next to Lee’s. It used to be Marty Gustufson’s office. Lee would pace back and forth in front of her office smoking his pipe. Occasionally he’d look in. Donna did terrific work, usually with Hank, the year she was there but eventually she couldn’t take the pressure of Lee’s stalking back and forth, coming in her office and looking over her shoulder, and left to work for what she hoped to be less pressurized field of recruiting for Sandy Wade. That didn’t exactly happen.
A couple of times during my 10 years at Lee King and Partners, I’d get an offer and go into Lee’s office and say, “I’m leaving.” He’d say, “No, you’re not.” I’d say, “Yes, I am. I’ve got this offer.” He’d say, “tell me what you need to stay.” I’d say, “X amount of money and no more coupon ads.” He’d say “OK,” and I’d stay. I still continued to do coupon ads but Hank and I did get lots of TV assignments.
The last time, Hank and I both went in. We’d got an offer we couldn’t refuse from John Scott, once partners with Dave Kennedy at Lee’s. Dave had left to form Weiden Kennedy in Oregon and John was now co-creative chief at what was then named Foote Cone & Belding.
As a side note, John would go on to become Chief Creative Officer of Corbett Accel Healthcare Group, the largest pharmaceutical advertising agency in Chicago. He has now been succeeded by our daughter, Robin Shapiro. So the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In this case, a very beautiful apple. It all started with Lee 40 years ago.
Lee looked up and simply said, OK.” So we went to Foote Cone. It was a tremendous culture change. For the next couple of months we’d look out the window at the Stone Container Building and ask ourselves, “Would Lee take us back?”
Lee was grouchy, cantankerous, irascible, demanding, courageous and the best person a writer, art director or producer could ever hope to work for. I loved working for him.
Donna and I lived across the street from Lee and Dorothy’s house for many years. Dorothy was a fierce advocate for civil rights. Occasionally we’d see them working in their fabulous garden, waling along the lakefront or at the Evanston farmers’ market. We didn’t see them as much as their health faded.
Our wonderful memories of them will never fade.
Karen Loeb
February 21, 2009
Over the many years as his daughter, I had an intense relationship with my Dad, at times tumultuous, almost always simmering with emotion of one sort or another. We had some beautiful, unforgettable times together. I will miss our deeply personal conversations. We were very much alike in many ways. It wasn’t always easy being his daughter: 67 years of intense opinions and directives. But we understood each other and loved each other in a special way and I will miss that. Good-bye, Dad.
Judy Gerstein Marcus
February 20, 2009
For me, working for Lee King was like having you own creative godfather. When Lee hired me in 1978, I was a neophyte copywriter, fresh off the street. Under his tutelage, I felt nurtured, respected and protected from those we referred to as “The Suits.” Lee was—and remains—such an influential figure to me that three decades later, I still have a note from him tucked into my files.
Several years ago, I ran into Lee again. I was thrilled to see him, and he seemed happy (in a Lee-King-kind-of-way) to see me. He looked pretty much the way I remembered, except for one thing. The signature cigar had been replaced by a toothpick.
Bambi Lynn Ware
February 20, 2009
I remember the generousity of Lee and Dorothy to me throughout my high school years. Allowing me to have my birthday parties at their lovely home. Always asking about how I was doing. I remember how sharp and smart Lee was. I was so in awe of his business success. One of the good ones who has moved off our planet and on to touch other places in conciousness.
Birthday-11/11/08
February 19, 2009
During Lee King & Partners era.
February 19, 2009
Joe Silverton
February 18, 2009
Always remember a photo that Lee took of Eric and myself running when we were little kids in some museum; in fact I still have it. It is an incredible photo as he caught us flying off the ground. My parents and Lee and Dorothy always had fun. Of course it was a huge treat to go the King house. Those memories are great.
Bernie Pitzel
February 14, 2009
Lee and I stayed close for years after I left his special eye, with lunches at Avanzare and the International Club in the Drake.
Endelss conversations about the demise of creativity. And how the business had changed for the worse.
And one of the great examples of how the business had changed came from the time Lee gave me the best compliment I still have ever received.
I had just returned to Chicago from AZ and was about to take a job at Needham when Dale Fells, my headhunter, called and said Lee had seen my book and reel and wanted to meet me. I had tons of respect for the product that LK&P was turning out so I jumped at a chance to meet the man himself. After Sandy deposited me in the boardroom I sat and waited until a scruffy old guy smoking a cigar came in, didn't say a word to me, and went and fiddled around with an ancient coffee machine. He finally got his coffee and turned to leave, still not acknowledging my presence. At the last second before leaving the room he turned to me and asked, "Are you Pitzel?" "Yes sir" "Well, I don't have a position for you" he said, "but I like your stuff and I don't want you working against me. So I'm going to hire to you." And then he left. Now that's an attitude that has long passed.
Lee always found ways to inspire, and I cherish the note cards he would send me from time to time. Even long after left his tutelage. And, as Laura knows, they were not always complimentary. But they will be cherished just the same. As cherished as the moments spent around him for those of us who were lucky enough to have experienced them.
Long live his memory. Long live the King.
Howard Solotroff
February 12, 2009
I joined EHW in the spring of 1964 after a couple of years of working overseas. My direct reporting was to the late and great Bob Fryml, and after about six months I asked him "how was I doing" as I'd had no reaction, positive or negative, to my contribution. He said simply "if you weren't doing well according to Lee you would have been gone a long time ago".
That really summed up the attitude of that amazing time in that curiously marvelous agency atmosphere. We got assignments and were essentially allowed to develop responses that we felt best served the client within the context of the agency's overall creative/marketing policy.
After a time I became a department (design) within the agency and was fortunate to hire talents such as Ray Nyquist and Mike Phillips, among others, who continued to develop a fine product under Lee's watchful, but non-interfering eyes.
In late 1971 I formed a small company with two colleagues and when I went to tell Lee my plans he said "will the company be anything we can use?" He wound up saying "you keep working on GATX" and a few other clients that were our primary charges, a relationship that lasted for another 10 years or so. If that wasn't the best "severance package" I could have gotten I can't imagine what would have topped it.
Many years later I joined a life-drawing group at Evanston's Noyes Center. As I walked into the first session I saw sitting there,across the room, my boss; as I'll always think of him.We had more to share than just memories in those years and I'm forever grateful for all of it. We'll possibly met somewhere else some day, who knows?
Linda then-Cadwell Yellin
February 12, 2009
Ohmygawd. What a sweetheart of a man. He hired me in December of 1974 after I'd spent over a year writing catalog copy for Sears Roebuck and over two years trying to get a REAL advertising job. The interview lasted 20 minutes and my salary jumped from $8400 a year to $10,000 a year. I was thrilled. DOUBLE DIGITS! Already I knew my boss was decisive and generous.
When I was about to produce MY FIRST COMMERCIAL EVER (for Lady Alberto Groom Out Gray - don't ask...) and Lee learned that I had never been to New York, he was bemused at best, appalled at worst. He told Doris Craig to "show her a good time." Doris introduced me to many NY bars and threw me on a tour bus to Chinatown. The lovely Pat McCloud took me to my FIRST EVER Broadway show - A Chorus Line. I was nervous Lee would be mad about the expenses on my first ever expense account. (Ethan told me to "lighten up.") Lee was just concerned that my first trip to New York was special.
Back in Chicago, after producing the spot's music session, two guys from the music company set up an appointment with Lee to complain that the track would have been MUCH BETTER - but that young copywriter didn't know what the hell she was doing. They played their version for Lee. They played my version for Lee. He listened, then told them to leave, said: "It's HER track!"
He never took time off. I think it was a real challenge for Dorothy to get him to take a vacation. Only his Friday night family dinners were a sure bet to get him out of the office on time. My office was three down from his and he'd pace in the hallway - smoking his cigar, of course - right outside my door. He'd suddenly pop in with words of advice: "Y'know, just because someone's older than you...doesn't mean they're more talented. Trust yourself." Or - "If you're stuck on an idea, take a good book and go read in the bathroom."
He's the only boss who ever gave me raises without my groveling. He tolerated - perhaps even encouraged - quirks, foibles and eccentricities. Which as I recall, ran rampant among us. I adored him. Left two and a half years later to experience a "big agency." Then spent the next two decades realizing how good I'd had it at the start.
Arthur Vibert
February 12, 2009
Lee gave me my first real job in advertising. I was just a kid, and he had a lot of things to think about that didn't involve me, yet he always had time for a well placed word of encouragement. As I remarked to a friend of mine upon learning about Lee's passing, everyone in advertising is linked to LK&P in some way. I'm sorry to see him go, but glad I got to know him.
Tina Wills
February 11, 2009
I did not know Mr. King directly, but I know his son Eric. I can say that Eric's interactions with his father over the last couple of years were very powerful. I was lucky enough to hear stories of Mr. King told by Eric about how his visits with his dad were and how they grew to know each other more the older they both got. I know he will be deeply missed by Eric and all of Mr. King's family. I know I will miss the stories.
Painting of Jayne King
February 10, 2009
Painting of one of Lee's favorite activities.
February 10, 2009
Dorothy & Lee 1949
February 10, 2009
Lee in his yard 1962
February 10, 2009
A watercolor by Lee King
February 10, 2009
Self Portrait 2006- Lee King
February 10, 2009
On his porch where he painted & read-2008
February 10, 2009
Jay King
February 10, 2009
Thank you all for your comments about Lee.
I dug out a few photos of Lee and a few photos of his paintings. The world has lost a unique and amazing man. Jay King
Ethan Revsin
February 10, 2009
I remember that gruff wonderful man with the cigar, the Jaguar, the fur coat, the rosewood briefcase (that he hated) and that fabulous corner office over-looking Michigan Ave and the Chicago River.
I remember us driving out weekly with him to Alberto Culver, our storyboards crammed in the trunk, not much conversation, really, because Lee wasn't much for small talk. We used to kvetch about our friends out there at Culver in Melrose Park, while Lee ignored us, but really, many of them were our friends, and along with Lee, they were always open to new ideas.
I remember once that Lee had to fly to London to shoot a commercial with Rula Lenska (I'm not sure I'm remembering how to spell her name), which he was dreading. I think to reward himself he flew back on the Concorde, or maybe because he had an urgent meeting at Culver. (To him they were all urgent). Classically a man of few words, he described the flight as "uncomfortable".
God we loved him! Yes, we were a (dysfunctional) family on that creative floor. Norm, Hank, Pat, Sandy, Doris, Stephanie, Ron, Sylvia, Irene and others whose names I've forgotten. To us Lee was a second Dad, not that he would have seen it that way, God forbid! Most of all, he gave us the freedom to explore our best ideas.
He was a very special man and those were wonderful, memorable times. Lee, we will miss you greatly.
Sympathies to Eric, Jay, Adele and Karen.
Pat McCloud Carter
February 10, 2009
I, like the others that were touched by this "Spirited" man, got all of the support and respect in the TV Production Department because Lee King believed in me when I did not believe in my own creativity. I was allowed to soar and soar I did. My heart just swelled when I saw the picture that was posted and my soul received the shower it needed to let me remember from where I learned many of my life lessons. Truly one of the most profound experiences I can recall and will treasure until my spirit is set free as his has been. To Karen, Jay, Eric and their families, I was also one of his children and always felt the love that we shared on the most awesome Creative Floor in Chicago. Of course that statement could only come from those of us who had the privilege to have been tutored by this most purposeful, creatively possessed, creatively protective, volatile at once and then you waited for that smile when you got his favored approval. Wow, and I say ditto to all of the other sharings that I read.
I have no doubt that he lived the "most beautiful life" after retirement and I know that he was to me and I was to him his "created" one.
David Jameson
February 10, 2009
To Lee's family,
I know he was a success as a parent because his kids turned out to be thoughtful, funny and smart. You're all in my thoughts. Especially you, Jay.
David
Stephanie Ross
February 10, 2009
Lee was a lovely man. As I now look from my office window to the upper story corner of the old Stone Container building (I can never remember the floor, but it's the only one with the carved medallions between the windows), I wish he were still there, stogie in hand, with that unique deep hearted chuckle. So many wonderful people worked those halls, and we thank him for that. Bet God has something better than Havanas for him.
Robert Qually
February 10, 2009
ADDENDUM. . .The one thing that Lee King should have taught all creative people smart enough to listen is…what a tragedy it is for a winged creature to die on the ground.
Lee instinctively knew that the worst pain any creative person could inflict upon themselves, is to stop creating. When you stop creating, your creative energy feeds upon you, instead of being invested into your art form.
That is why Lee continued to create all of his life. He worked in our business for 63 years until he was 84 years old handling a multi million dollar account for Alberto Culver. Only the pain of his unrelenting cancer could stop him from doing that deal.
Then he simply went back to the pursuit of painting for the remaining 10 years of his life.
Cathy Beres
February 9, 2009
I did not know Lee, but I felt like I did, through the stories my late husband, Lou, told me of his time working with him at LK&P. I know they were magical times. What a remarkable man and life! I am just hoping that he and Lou are re-hashing old times now. Godspeed, Lee!
Harry Woods
February 9, 2009
I remember Lee striding into the agency every morning--long gray hair, cigar and fur coat--embodying everything a creative hotshop guru should. Yet he was nothing like that. He was the warmest, kindest, most gentle guy I've ever worked for. I count myself incredibly lucky to have started my career working for Lee King.
Eric King
February 9, 2009
Dad
Thanks for everything. We were able to share such wonderful times during my visits from California. I will cherish those memories dearly. I will miss you, but you will live on in my memories and the memories of countless others who you touched with your fiery spirit.
I love you.
Eric
Mark Aronson
February 9, 2009
Lee King ran a flat organization: There was Lee King, and there was everyone else. Not the world's best way to run a business, perhaps, but a great way to run an art gallery, or a theatre, or some other creative endeavor. And that's what LK&P was, make no mistake about it. No one was louder in defense of creativity to his clients, and no one was louder in demanding it from his employees. Only after we moved on did we realize how rare this quality was, or how much we might miss it. The world is a quieter place without Lee King, and a lesser one.
Denis Hagen
February 8, 2009
I worked for Lee King at Lee King & Partners in the early 1980s. He's simply the best thing that has ever happened to me in the Advertising Business. He was one of those rare people who would give you an assignment, then let you do it.
There aren't many people like that. Always encouraging, always supportive. Always with that big cigar. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Robert Qually
February 8, 2009
" One of the greatest weaknesses of most
humans, is their hesitancy to tell others how
much they love them while they're still alive."
~ Orlando A. Battista
(I never allowed that to happen between
Lee and myself. That is why we always
kept in touch.)
Lee was peerless among my mentors.
Lee once gave me my main chance
and his trust, allowed me to soar.
Lee was also the safety net that
protected me from harm, along the way.
A large part of who and what I now am,
I own to Lee; and I thank him for that.
I admire and respect Lee above all others,
I have ever worked with in the business.
Lee heads the list, of a very select few.
Besides myself, Lee was the only other person
I know, with that rarest of all talents-
'pure discernment', being able to truly judge well
to distinguish good from bad in things, people,
and their concepts. By recognizing that talent in
Lee, I finally realized it was also in me;
and I thank Lee for that.
We were closer to each other than most.
Probably as close to each other, as each of us
would allow others of our kind to be.
For that bond I am grateful
(yet I always wished it could have been more).
Good-bye my old friend and mentor.
(Catch you later, in the void.)
THAT’S LIFE. . .
“VOID.
FLICKER.
RAGING FIRE.
FLICKER.
VOID.”
-by Robert Qually
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