David Ford Innes

Dave Innes, aged 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 14, surrounded by best friends and much love. Dave was a man filled with kindness, strength, talent, and sharp-but-sweet good humor. We mark his passing with sadness—but also celebrate his life with gratitude that we knew him.

Dave was the devoted son of Dorothy and George Ronald Innes; youngest brother of Norman (deceased), Ron, and Marcia (David) Lamkin, and a favorite uncle of Kim (David Ferris), Heather, Sydney, Tom Lamkin and Wendy Hankin.

A native of Chicago and a long-time Evanstonian, Dave’s innate creativity led him to the advertising world where for more than 40 years he navigated an alphabet soup of agencies, including JWT, TLK, FCB, BBDO, and Burrell. As an Art Director and Creative Director, he created and helped execute many memorable, award-winning commercial campaigns for Proctor & Gamble, McDonalds, Kraft, Cleveland Clinic, Wrigley, and other clients. He tolerated the administrative “nonsense,” as he called it— but he loved the work.

Also well-known was Dave’s profound appreciation for cars (notably, his 1955 DeSoto Fireflite convertible), cats (and other critters), family, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him, humans and quadrupeds alike.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation at https://www.npcf.us or to the Anti-Cruelty Society at https://anticruelty.org/

At his specific request, Dave’s memorial will be private, low key, and chill—like him.

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