THOMAS NELSON

NELSON--Thomas David. February 6, 1956 - April 3, 2021. Tom Nelson, a highly regarded and successful advertising executive, entrepreneur, and an accomplished musician and songwriter, died on April 3, 2021. Tom was the beloved husband of Lisa, and father of David, Steven, and Sarah. Son of Don and Liz Nelson, he was older brother to Jim, Pat, Rich, and Joe. Tom began his career as a copywriter in Detroit and Chicago before moving to New York in 1988 to join Ammirati & Puris, then one of the leading creative forces in the advertising industry. He was the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the agency's extremely successful Toronto office before returning to New York City in 1996 as the Co-Creative Director of Ammirati Puris Lintas, then the ninth largest advertising agency in New York City. In 1999, he co-founded and was Creative Director of Gardner Nelson + Partners, Inc., a boutique advertising firm with a short list of blue chip accounts. Under his leadership, the agency developed a reputation for sharp, smart, stylish, and particularly effective creative work. In retirement, Tom embarked on a second career as founder, songwriter, and lead guitarist for the band Heathcote Hill. The band released five records, was featured prominently on WFUV, and their songs were played on over five hundred radio stations around the world. The hallmarks of his work in advertising -- powerful concepts, brilliant lyrics, wry humor, and a precision eye for execution, fit, and finish -- would blossom as well in his music. Still another outlet for his creativity: a passion for cooking that made him the neighborhood chef of renown. A prodigious reader, Tom was particularly fascinated by politics, military history, and biography. Keenly interested in current events and societal trends, his understanding of changing contemporary culture was invaluable in his creative endeavors. Tom was a devoted father to David, Steven, and Sarah, who carry on family tradition by thriving in their respective creative fields, and he took great pride in their individual accomplishments. Tom and Lisa, who met in the advertising business in Detroit, were married for 37 years. For more information, please visit JJFFH.com