Ad legend Dan Wieden, of “Just Do It,” passes away

Dan Wieden, who “built what is arguably the most famous ad agency in the world,” died Friday at 77. Wieden, along with late partner David Kennedy, formed Wieden+Kennedy, which over the years "became the world’s largest independent advertising agency.” It was “best known for its work on the Nike account, consistently crafting messages that lodged themselves in the public consciousness.” Wieden was “funny, self-deprecating and hugely ambitious.” The agency today “employs 1,500 people at eight offices worldwide” (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/2). Wieden's "coining of the Nike slogan ‘Just Do It’ vaulted his agency" into "global prominence." His death comes almost exactly one year after the passing of Kennedy (WILLAMETTE WEEK, 10/2). Wieden will "forever be associated with one of the most creative independent agencies in the world" (ADWEEK.com, 10/2).