We said goodbye far too soon to Dan Duffy, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and uncle, a dear friend and a treasured colleague who passed away unexpectedly from complications from surgery at 57 years old on April 27th.

Dan grew up in Southern California’s Torrance, the youngest of three siblings. He was crazy about the LA Kings and Broncos (Ford not Denver). He loved photography, playing soccer, punk rock, good whiskey and crazy hats, in no particular order! He headed north for college, earning a BA in Advertising from San Jose State University’s Journalism Department. Dan’s career quickly hit the fast track, but he still found time to court a young Oregonian in Los Angeles, going all out helping her move to San Francisco their first month dating. Dan married that girl - his loving wife and partner Sonja - in 1997. They had a beautiful life and two children, Bridget and AJ, who Dan loved to the moon and back.

Dan led a storied career in advertising and was an asset to every company he worked with. One of the industry’s most accomplished veteran production executives, he was known for his grace under pressure, sharp wit, innate ability to connect people and unfaltering work ethic. But perhaps even more, Dan was known for his sense of humor, good natured demeanor and positivity no matter how big or small the challenge.

He began his career at TBWA\Chiat\Day, learning from the likes of long-time agency production department head Richard O’Neill then quickly moving up the ranks to produce award-winning campaigns for Infiniti and Energizer. He was later recruited by Wieden+Kennedy Portland where he was the original Agency Producer on the now iconic ESPN This Is SportsCenter campaign, producing over 200 spots, and also produced spots at Wieden for Nike. He joined Hungry Man Productions in 1998 where he was a founding member of the Los Angeles office and Executive Producer for nearly 25 years. Dan managed and contributed to the careers of dozens of commercial directors, consistently discovering new talent and igniting potential in existing directors. He was part of projects that won many of advertising’s most prestigious awards, including a Cannes Palme d'Or, Emmys, DGAs, CLIOS, AICP honors and many others.

Dan made a multitude of friends from grade school and beyond. They all had a nick name for Dan – June Bug, Duffy, Danny Jo, Dangerous Dan and his favorite Dan the Man. He loved skiing, river rafting, boating, concerts, sporting events, biking and good food and drinks anywhere with a friend. Dan’s most profound talent was his capacity to love and he shared that super power unconditionally and indiscriminately.

He is survived by Sonja, their daughter, Bridget, 21, an English major studying at the University of Washington, and their son AJ, 18, who graduates in June from El Segundo High School and is deciding between junior hockey or attending the University of Arizona in the fall. He is also survived by his mother Joann, 87, brother Michael, 62, sister Julie, 60, 5 nephews and 2 nieces, fondly referred to as his “nibblings.” He is predeceased by his father, Robert Duffy. Dan loved many family pets, including Pokie the Tortoise who now lives with his cousin Chris. Dan leaves behind his beloved dog Mr. T and Luna the cat.

Dan, we will miss you immeasurably. Rest in peace. ❤️

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