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1961 - 2013

BORN

1961

DIED

2013

Bradley Morgan Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Bradley Morgan
Start: 2014-02-04T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-02-04T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Schuba's

Age 52, of Chicago, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2013. He was born in Hamilton, OH, on March 14th, 1961, to parents James Arthur and Margie House Morgan. Brad graduated from Garfield High School, Hamilton, Ohio. He was also a graduate of the Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati. Brad is survived by his wife and soulmate, Dale French Morgan. They were married in 1990 in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Brad loved: animation, drawing, fishing, traveling, his "little girlfriend", Scratch. He loved boondoggling with his wife and best buddy, Woody. He was a faithful fan of the Cubs, Bears and Reds and his favorite Nascar driver Dale Jr. He was a fabulous lead guitarist. He loved playing in his band Angry Daisy with all his wonderful band buddies and writing music with his band partner, Carole. He also loved teaching guitar to everyone who asked. He will also miss his "favorite bar the in the world" the HOH in Wisconsin where he will be missed by his many friends on Big Cedar Lake. Brad Morgan was a highly respected art director, who worked at ad agency DDB Chicago for over 25 years. It was an outstanding career filled with numerous highlights and accomplishments. Brad was a talented, skilled artist and a stellar art director with a keen sense of style and taste. As Creative Director, Brad became a beloved and respected leader. His positive attitude was infectious and uplifting, and his passion for advertising unequaled. He was a tireless worker, who always took pride in everything he did. Brad's most notable accomplishment was the invention of Chester Cheetah - an iconic character still being used today. Brad was also responsible for creating many of the most memorable and revered Super Bowl Ads for Budweiser and Bud Light. The only thing more impressive than Brad's list of talents was his fun, warm, genuine, caring personality. He was a true gentleman, a good friend, a caring soul and just an all around terrific guy to be around. Anyone who worked with Brad would tell you how special of person he really was. He is also survived by his parents James Arthur Morgan and Margie House Morgan; brother Randall V. Morgan of Hamilton, OH; brother, James A. Morgan Jr. of Columbus, OH; nephews Michael Morgan, Robert Morgan and Robert's daughter Charlie Rene Morgan all of Florence, KY; brothers-in-law Donald R. French of Vero Beach, FL, and Gary K. French (Annette) of Lino Lakes, MN; sisters-in-law Terri Tollefson of Arlington Heights, IL, and Jill French of Largo, FL; his many loving aunts, uncles and cousins in his hometown area of southern Ohio; his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great niece and nephews; and friends and co-workers who will miss his wonderful spirit and joy of life. Preceded in death by his grandparents Arthur and Rose Morgan; Ann Wilson; Virgil House and uncle Arthur Morgan, Jr.; mother-in-law Betty K. French; brother and sister-in-law Spencer and Barbara Fray; and loving pets Rory, Sniff and Zoom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guitars for Vets at guitarsforvets.org or Wright Way Animal Shelter at wrightwayrescue.net There will be a Celebration of Life at Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport Ave in Chicago, on February 3rd from 6-8 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Bradley Morgan

42 Entries

Peter Huin

November 8, 2022

Wow. I wish I met him! I’m in the midst of researching character design and decided to see who illustrated Chester the Cheetah. Thank you for your work Brad!

Colleen Delegan

January 14, 2020

From his first job at Cunningham & Walsh. My second art director partner: sitting in the corner of his window-less office in bib overalls playing his guitar. It was quite a time! From one Buckeye to another- Cheers, Brad!

Bill Gnech

January 13, 2020

I met Brad when he was a new Art Director at DDB Needham in Chicago in the mid-'80s. We became friends right away. He was a very creative guy with a heart of gold. The advertising world misses him. Peace

Bonnie McBain

January 12, 2020

Brad is one of those few people that I always remember with a smile on my face, & ...yes, tears in my eyes. I toast him "formally" every Christmas, and informally many other days of the year. He was an informal kind of guy! I will never stop missing him or the feel of his rodeo hug greeting. CHEERS, Brad
You are remembered and hugged with love always.

Bill Gnech

October 20, 2014

I met Brad 25 years ago. We became friends from that point on. He was one cool dude. God Bless your soul.

Chester Nichols

September 16, 2014

Brad was One-In-A-Zillion. What a great guy and great friend. We still have a framed copy of a Chester Cheetah poster, that Brad autographed and gave me to give to my young son, Chester.

What I truly loved about Brad was that he "lived in the moment" and what you saw is what he was all about; witty, charming, funny, talented, insightful and a great creative leader that led via enthusiasm.

And to show how "real" he was, he married one of the all-time coolest ladies on planet earth, Dale French. What a gal.

You are missed, my friend, but NEVER will be forgotten.

Love and prayers to Dale and the family.

Chester Nichols

Judy Ticktin

February 4, 2014

Dear Dale, I am so sad for you. We remember Brad as such a fine person and
so much fun. I remember when you came out to Scotsdale for a job and we went to Handle Bar J with real cowboys - good times. He is gone way too soon.
Our thoughts are with you. Judy & Harold Ticktin

Jim Retzer

February 3, 2014

Dale, my heart aches for you. Brad was without a doubt one of the warmest, friendliest, most talented and loving guys I ever worked with. When Annie was in grade school, she came to visit me at work and Brad gave her one of his mounted marker layouts of a Chester billboard. I'll never forget that. My love to you and see you tonight.

January 29, 2014

Brad was a sweetheart and wonderful soul. Chester was destined for fame, and I remember Brad's first trip to London to make it happen. Then, we could always talk guitars; Brad knew his stuff as his reference to a "sunburst finish" was the first time I'd heard the term. God bless you, Brad.

Susan L. Smith

Sandy Rosenbaum

January 24, 2014

Dale, Brad was a phenomenally gifted, hard working professional & mentor. More importantly, he was a kind, phenomenal human being. Those bear hugs were legendary!
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family,
Sandy Rosenbaum

Heather Malenshek

January 17, 2014

Such a beautiful soul gone too soon. Had the pleasure of working with Brad over the past several years and he was such a kind and gentle person. He will be greatly greatly missed. Wishing family and friends peace and comfort in the days to come. Heather Malenshek

barb madl

January 16, 2014

you will be very missed my friend!

January 16, 2014

Dale: my sincere condolences go out to you at this time. Brad will be missed . Colleen Delegan

January 15, 2014

You can't find a better guy in the world than Brad. Dale, I'm so sorry for your loss, try to remember all the good times. You and Brad had so many fantastic journeys! Your friends and family are here for you!

Adrian Fogel

January 15, 2014

So sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. Brad was awesome. He was smart, honest, funny and extremely humble considering how talented he was. Brad had this amazing ability to put people at ease. I feel honored to say that I had the opportunity to work with him.

Pam Kerry

January 15, 2014

Brad will be missed by so many. I was so lucky to have spent so many years working with him. All around great guy! Dale, I am so sorry for your loss. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeri Davis

January 15, 2014

Dale, I am so sorry for your loss and my heartfelt condolences go out to you. Brad was one of the most kind, genuine and artistic people I've known. It was always such a blast to work with him, and a joy to consider him my friend.

Sara Krueger

January 15, 2014

Brad was truly one of the nicest, funniest, creative and jovial spirits I had the pleasure of knowing. My heart goes out to his family. The heavens just got a whole lot brighter...rest in peace, my friend.

Alan Alexander

January 15, 2014

Brad was such a terrific guy. I loved working with him, and being around him. I was fortunate enough to be working with Brad when he created Chester Cheetah. Brad put on one of the best and most memorable presentations to the Frito-Lay executives. Brad was only 23 or 24 at the time. And, he was sensational. Whenever I see Chester Cheetah on Cheetos packaging, I always think of Brad. He was the best!

Gina LoCurcio

January 14, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dale.

Karin Rose

January 14, 2014

My heart goes out to you Dale. I didn't know Brad very well, but I knew how special he was by how well so many spoke of him.

Bob Konold

January 14, 2014

Dale, I'm so sorry for your loss. brad-dude was such a wonderfully vibrant soul! Lisa and I were lucky to see you recently at Mark Joyal's service. And I feel blessed to have known Brad, played music with him, and spent a wonderful production with you and Brad crashing cars in the desert of Arizona, enjoying the ring around the moon in the hot tub, and horseback riding through the desert. Seems like yesterday. brad was one of the kindest, coolest guys I've ever known. You know he's having a great time up there! See you on 2/3. Xxoo Bob K

Sandra Feliciano

January 14, 2014

Brad, you will be missed. You always had a big smile and heart for all people. I'm grateful to have met you at DDB.
Dale, I am so very sorry for your lost. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you always and may your memories of Dale keep you going in life.

January 14, 2014

I feel blessed to have known such a kind and talented gentleman. There'll be a brighter star in the sky now. My
heartfelt condolences to you dear Dale.

Vince Kamin

January 14, 2014

He was always there for everyone else, now we are here for him; his mirth and good nature was unmatched by anyone else in the business; his smile
was like a rainbow.

Jasna Reitz

January 14, 2014

Words just don't seem appropriate.
Brad :)
:( U will b missed..

Dale my Love and thinking of u,
Jasna Reitz

Betsy Grimm

January 14, 2014

Dale, I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. My heart surrounds you at this time, and I wish you peace and comfort.

Loren Jordan

January 14, 2014

When I read "He was a true gentleman, a good friend, a caring soul and just an all around terrific guy to be around. Anyone who worked with Brad would tell you how special of person he really was" it truly resonated with me and I am so grateful for meeting him and working with him and you as well Dale at DDB... You both are such beautiful BEAUTIFUL Spirits...

January 14, 2014

Dale & Family, Our deepest sympathies. We were shocked to learn of Brad's passing. We are continually thinking about you. A big hug from Bobbi(Noffke) & Mike Nesladek

Roberta Taub Abel

January 14, 2014

I was so sorry to hear about Brad. I didn't know him well, but our paths crossed enough times before I moved to California in '93 that I knew he was a really nice, sweet guy as well as being so talented. Dale, my heart goes out to you and the rest of Brad's family. It's not fair.

Brian Crawford

January 14, 2014

Brad was the definition of "cool", and I am lucky to have gotten to know him. His warm, welcoming, and positive nature were infectious, and unflappable through his hardship, as I never saw him without a smile on his face. He will be missed.

Rubye Hardy

January 14, 2014

I will truly miss Brad. He was one of a kind. Always smiling and Happy.

Wendy Kaplan

January 14, 2014

I didn't know Brad very well, but what was so apparent was just how nice and talented and happy he was. And, he was always smiling. My thoughts go to all of those who loved him.

Darlene Gorzela Herbstman

January 14, 2014

I knew Brad in his early days of advertising... What a wonderful man. So sorry to hear of our loss. Brad was one of the most talented Artist I have ever known. Wish I still had the invites he created for me for my notorious 4th of July parties back in the 80's. Big hug Dale! xo

Tracey Wiedmaier

January 14, 2014

You can not help but smile when you think of Brad. Truly one of a kind. Rest in peace my friend...

January 14, 2014

Dale,
My sincerest condolences to you at this time of loss.
Chris Claeys

January 14, 2014

Knowing Brad was a gift. He was such a unique guy and he loved Dale and his pets! He will be missed.

peggy sweeney

January 14, 2014

What a wonderful remembrance of Brad. He was a fabulous guy! Known and loved by myself and the Dennig boys who are now men for many years. You will be missed beyond words Brad. Our prayers and support go out to you Dale and his family. Peggy Sweeney

Virginia Bishop

January 14, 2014

Rest In Peace. You will truly be missed.

Virginia Bishop

January 14, 2014

An Angel has risen to Heaven. I will miss you my friend. Rest In Peace. Love You

Bonnie McBain

January 14, 2014

Brad brought the rodeo hug to Michigan Ave. I would run blocks to receive one, and, always, always had a hard time letting go. I never will. Thank you, Brad.

Bob Holzner

January 14, 2014

What a major loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Brad. Very nice guy and lived in my neighborhood. I was at his place once and enjoyed viewing his wonderful artwork and drawings of Chester. The world is less brighter now.

Bob Holzner

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