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John Keil Obituary
Keil died Aug. 25 at home in Westminster West, Vermont, his family said. He was 94.
Keil was creative director at Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency when he and his team created the trench coat-wearing animated dog, with Keil himself saying the slogan "Take a Bite Out of Crime."
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McGruff, the National Crime Prevention Council's mascot, first appeared in public service announcements in 1980. Since his creation, the raspy-voiced dog has appeared in newspapers and on radio, television and the internet.
In the mid-1980s, the character was urging people to join neighborhood watch groups and to clean up streets and parks to dissuade criminals, the council said. Today it's used in a variety of campaigns to support safety and crime prevention.
"He was one of the giants in the advertising industry and shared his talents in support of crime prevention," the council said in an emailed statement.
Keil was involved in other high profile ad campaigns and also wrote two books on creativity.
His son said his father never had formal training. He majored in economics in college.
"But he was a guy that wanted to be an actor so he kind of channeled that sense of drama and being the ultimate extrovert into everything he did. It was back at a time when you know that got you a fair distance," said Nick Keil.
He was born in Rochester, New York, and attended the University of Rochester until he enlisted in the Air Force during World War II. He flew 50 missions over Europe as a bombardier and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, his family said. Afterward, he graduated from the university in 1944.
During his advertising career, he and his wife lived in Grand-View-On-Hudson, New York, for 58 years. They moved to Vermont in 2006, where they had owned property for many years.
In recent years, Keil, a lifelong performer and lover of jazz, enjoyed guest appearances singing with the Brattleboro-area Butterfly Swing Band.
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
36 Entries
MA
November 25, 2017
McGruff was my absolute favorite as a child! I never knew the originator of the wonderful Crime Dog.
To the family,
I send you my deepest condolences. Psalms 55:22 tells us to throw our anxieties on the True God and he will sustain you. May comfort in his promises bring you relief.
Karen
October 25, 2017
I am very sorry for the loss of your father. My children loved McGruff. Continue to have confidence in the resurrection hope at Acts24:15.
M C
October 2, 2017
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered for the his slogan, Take a bite out of crime. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
September 13, 2017
To John Keil family and friends. The God who gives comfort and peace be with the family in these difficult times.
How you can show support
September 10, 2017
May the wonderful memories the family and friends share of Jack bring comfort during this time of loss. Proverbs 17:17
Chianti
P
September 9, 2017
We are our Brother's keeper
That's what I thought when I saw his commercials
We pray for his family and we pray with his family
May his family and friends feel the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father
As we all wait until the time when death and pain will be no more
September 9, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Kay Reckord Ames
September 8, 2017
So sorry for your loss. He did a great job as Gruff and helped a lot of people along the way. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
September 8, 2017
Very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Sincerely
MV
September 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. He touched so many lives. I wish you peace and comfort to help you to get through this difficult time. Enjoy the special gift that he left behind, precious memories.(1 Thessalonians 1:2).
Lynn
September 8, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Keil family.May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
CV
September 8, 2017
Truly sorry to hear about your loss. May you continue to rely upon the God of all comfort during this time and he will help you.
With much sympathy,
AAG
September 8, 2017
Thank you so much John, for bringing "McGruff the Crime Dog" to all of us. I personally wore that costume throughout my career in the U.S. Air Force. I was a Security Policeman and worked as the Crime Prevention NCO. I had fun with everyone, but mainly the children. Fingerprinting the children and handing out coloring books were always a fun aspect of the job and I loved it. Rest in Peace....McGruff will live on and on.
September 8, 2017
Keil Family, Friends,
We so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. Our prayers are with the family. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Jay
September 7, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. The passing of a loved one is something that plagues the human race. One day God will rid us of this painful enemy. (1 Cor. 15:26)
L Yu
September 7, 2017
I remember his character being imitated in many police stations for young children in crime prevention activities. I was an activity coordinator for licensed childcare homes and had McGruff entertain groups of children and educate them about crime prevention. May his legacy remain embellished forever in this character. Our hearts go out to his family and hope the promise at Job 33:25 gives some
comfort in knowing that he will return to his youth as promised.
JULIE ROSARIO
September 7, 2017
JACK MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOUR SOUL AND YOUR LOVE ONES. GOD BLESS. R.I.P.
Sally Small
September 7, 2017
John was a good man who channeled his goodness toward keeping all of as safe as he could. We all thank him and send his family our condolences at this difficult time. We miss John for now and look forward to seeing him in paradise. God love you.
September 7, 2017
Condolences to the Keil family. McGruff is forever etched in our memories.
Stacy
September 7, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort knowing our Creator's promise to " swallow up death forever" Sincerely
Kathleen Kenepp
September 7, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Keil! What an imagination to introduce this character to so many; it was much needed. You will not be forgotten;you will continue to be in our Memories of those who helped "take a bite out of crime"!
CC
September 7, 2017
To the KEIL FAMILY in their time of grief, I'm truly sorry for your loss. My grandson grew up loving him and his crime slogan. May 'God' give the family peace during this most difficult time. -Isaiah 9:7
Christina C
September 7, 2017
It is difficult to loose someone so special. You are in my thoughts. May the promise at Isaiah25:8 help you through this difficult time.
September 7, 2017
God Bless - McGruff along with Smokey and Sparkey where a huge part of my childhood. Rest in Peace.
Christian
September 6, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jack. I think McGruff will always be remembered. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
September 6, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
J G
September 6, 2017
McGruff was one of my favorite commercials. My condolences to the family of Mr.Jack Keil. Rest assured that our creator views life as precious and he will act in our behalf through his son Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:26).
A Caring Fan
September 6, 2017
My deepest condolences and prayers to Ms Keil and family. May God grant solace to the family and fans during this most challenging time. Please be assured of God's love, and God's purpose to make the earth a paradise will be fulfilled.Isaiah 45:18; 55:11. Jack was truly an amazing and compassionate husband and father. He will be truly missed. With Love & Prayers
Deborah Ellis
September 6, 2017
To the families and friends of John (Jack) Keil, who played well, McGruff The Crime Dog. I do not know the families personally but we all lose love ones in death. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the families. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Please allow God to strengthen you in your time of grief.
Adrian Barnette
September 6, 2017
We'll miss you !
Harry Simpson
September 6, 2017
Godspeed John, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest John, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Scott Chamberland
September 6, 2017
Rest in Peace
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