THOMAS SHORTLIDGE

SHORTLIDGE--Thomas. Thomas Andrew Shortlidge, passed away on January 30, 2024, at home in Lakeside, MI surrounded by his loving family. Tom described himself as a "chameleon of sorts." On any given day, he could be a writer, designer, painter, or creative director. Tom culminated his 33 years in advertising at Young & Rubicam Chicago, rising to Executive Vice President and Creative Director. Tom was responsible for every imaginable kind of product from beer to bologna, contact lenses to hotels. His clients included Adidas, Allied Van Lines, G. Heileman, Miller, and Pabst Brewing, John Deere, WLS- TV, Wesley-Jessen, the Nature Conservancy, and Sears where he created "The Softer Side of Sears" campaign, re- invigorating the Sears brand. His work received countless advertising and design awards, including several Clios, the Oscars of the advertising community, and he was named to numerous creative "All Star" lists. Tom's most widely recognized work is likely the image he helped craft for Crate and Barrel. As a young man, he went to work in the first Crate and Barrel store and began a decades-long collaboration with the company's founders Gordon and Carole Segal. During that time, Tom created the famous Crate and Barrel logo and distinctive packaging still in use today, as well as beautifully conceived catalogs and advertising. His work for Crate and Barrel is included in the permanent design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In retirement, Tom brought an all-encompassing, passionate intensity to each of his endeavors. He enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, taking classes while pursuing an active career as an artist. Tom drafted a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of Chikaming Country Club where Tom was a member and board officer. He loved writing and never took the task lightly, sometimes taking hours to compose the perfect email to a friend. Tom is survived by his wife Carole, daughter Chelsea, son Adam, stepdaughter Laura, brother Neil, and grandchildren Chase, Emma, Dylan, Jack, and Will. Above all, Tom will be remembered as a loving husband and true partner to Carole, proud father, grandfather, and friend to so many. We will forever miss his sly humor, quick wit, searching intellect, and the twinkle in his eye.