Lee King

(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...

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.

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...

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.

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.