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Benjamin Durham Obituary
Durham, Benjamin Wilkins "Bill", Jr.
age 86, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of June 12 surrounded by family and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Cynthia, whom he adored, and is survived by his son Edward "Crane" Durham and his wife Katharine; grandchildren, Teddy and Talbott Martin; his daughter Mary and her husband John Kolata; his son Benjamin "Ben" and wife Susan, grandchildren Grace,
Natalie, and Genevieve and brothers, Grey and Edward "Ned" Durham and his wonderful family!
Bill was a graduate of Westminster University and the Olin School of Business at Washington University.
He was one of the original "Mad Men" of Advertising. After starting his career at Gardner Advertising and Ralston Purina, Bill became co-founder of the Simmons Durham Agency whose client list included Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, Payday and Heath Candy Bars, Charter Communications (now Spectrum), Sears Portrait Studios, Chicken-of-the-Sea Tuna and Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. He was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame in 2022.
An avid outdoorsman, Bill ran white-water rivers from Maine to Oregon with a loyal crew of followers who never tired of his company. He was an exceptional tennis player and kept at it well into his eighties. He was an avid runner, and some of his favorite memories were of his coaching youth baseball, hockey, and soccer throughout his son's growing-up years. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Bill was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, active in Opera Theater and acting in several productions notably "Under Milkwood" and "Spoon River Anthology".
Bill was a unique individual who was committed to excellence, genuinely humble despite his extraordinary talents, and never met a dog he did not like. Those who were close to Bill counted themselves well compensated with lives made more interesting and fulfilling because of him. He will be genuinely missed.
Services: Visitation at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, Saturday, June 15th, 2-4:00 p.m. Interment private. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. www.boppchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Durham
Donna Merz
December 31, 2024
Bill hired me at Simmons Durham in 1996 and influenced the way I worked and how I viewed the customer/client for the rest of my career. He had a great, dry humor and treated everyone with respect. I'm the kind of person who would have a woman as a mentor - but Bill was mine, even if he didn't know it. My condolences to his family and wide, fine circle of friends and associates. A good man, indeed.
Charlie Claggett
June 30, 2024
To Bill's family, I'm sorry I don't have your contact info. so I can't write a proper letter. Both my father and I knew Bill from our years in the advertising business as I was with D'Arcy for most of my career and my father ran Gardner for most of his career. But it wasn't until Bill and I retired and served on the Starkloff Disability Institute board together that we really got to know each other. As board chairman at the time, I can say that Bill did more to build that board than anyone will ever know. He was smart in his selection and tireless in his pursuit of key individuals, many of whom are still serving, people who have made significant contributions to SDI, contributions that improved the lives of people with disabilities. He hated meetings, and never asked for recognition, but his work turned SDI from a small "mom & pop charity" to a successful and respected resource for both corporations and people with disabilities. Best of all without question, was just being with him. He was so smart, a brilliant strategist, and possessed a wicked sense of humor. We kept in touch after we both rotated off the board and would meet in the men's bar at the Club where he would smoke a stogie and sip on some soup. I didn't mind getting cancer from his cigar as I tried to enjoy my lunch because I enjoyed being with him so much. I know I am not the only one whose life he improved with this presence. He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to all those who loved him, including his dogs. -- Charlie Claggett, Jr.
George C Bitting
June 19, 2024
Bill was a great pal of mine, who kept our investment club happy and together for years!
Things will be different without Bill, who will be sadly missed and ever remembered. I´m so sorry he´s gone. George C/ Jerry/ Bitting
Gerry Mandel
June 14, 2024
There are people who come into our lives at various times over our journey. Most make a small impression, then fade away. A small number make bolder statements and endure for years. And a few, if you´re fortunate, stay with you forever. Bill was one of the few. Singular, many faceted, inspiring as well as frustrating, richly endowed with charm, intelligence, knowledge, curiosity, a sense of humor, and a controversial fondness for cigars, often in the wrong place.
I am still trying to grasp the concept that Bill won´t call me again to offer his comments on my writing. I´ll miss that. In a way, he is still here.
Steve Degnan
June 14, 2024
I was more fortunate than I even realized to get to know Bill through our mutual association with Starkloff Disability Institute, one of Bill's many causes. I learned what a good board member does through his example and eventually became one of his many friends. He loved his time at Ralston Purina and I'd keep him updated with an insider's view on how things were going at his beloved first company. Not many really fit the term 'Renaissance Man' but I think Bill did. I am a better person for knowing him. May God welcome him with a wink and smile.
Brian Hurley
June 14, 2024
I have more memories of Mr.Durham than I can recount, from being my first baseball coach, afternoons on tennis courts around St Louis, and enjoying the education I received in Classical Music through The Music Group that met for many years. Most of all, I'll remember what a thoughtful and humorous friend he was to my father and I. RIP Mr Durham and deepest condolences to the Durham family. You will be missed!
Tom Priesmeyer - Brown Forman
June 14, 2024
Sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Tom Tipton
June 14, 2024
I last saw Bill at a ceremony honoring his friend, sculptor Harry Weber, at the St Louis Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year. Fittingly he was joined by former business partner Ted Simmons and friend Ken Street.
This is my last photo of someone who helped shape my career more than almost anyone else. I thought Bill was immortal.
And he is.
Paddy Hurley
June 14, 2024
Our father was one of his best friends-they both were at Gardner and Ralston. We know the family. He called me Peppermint Patty because my name is Paddy- I occasionally played with them Saturday mornings when a doubles partner didn´t make it. My sister Susie and I would perform Nancy Sinatra songs for he and Mary at dinner parties my parents would host. They were just like family. Always smiling and laughing! Will miss you Mr. Durham- enjoy your Mad Men friends up there in Heaven
Dr Jerry mayer
June 14, 2024
So very sorry for your loss what a privilege it was to have known your father as a life long patient but more importantly a great friend who taught me a lot about life. His personality was contagious and his zest for life incredible. He and your mother and grandparents can now look down upon us all and be proud of their accomplishments. Although I´ve retired and live out of state their memories will always be a fond part of me. Fondly Jerry.
Susie Hurley Judy
June 14, 2024
My late dad, Tom Hurley and Bill were thick as thieves back in the day. Both held court at Gardner, and then at Ralston creating their advertising magic with the likes of Paul Shipke, Bill Claggett, and John Alden. Outside the office my dad and Bill were great friends, playing tennis weekly and enjoying a symphonic musical group in their later years. Bill and Cindy were great friends with our family and I have only wonderful memories full of smiles and laughter of our time with them. Bill referred to my sister, Paddy, as "Peppermint Paddy", and also coached my younger brother in baseball. I'm happy he's reunited with Cindy, and now they and my parents can have a gay ole' time in Heaven! RIP dear Bill.
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