News

Actions

Martin Agency president Mike Hughes posts ‘autobiographical obituary’

Posted at 6:48 AM, Dec 16, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-16 06:48:57-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -Martin Agency president Mike Hughes died from lung cancer. He was 65 years old.

“We are sad to announce Mike Hughes, our president and long-time creative director passed away today,” the world-renowned advertising agency posted on its Facebook page Sunday.  “And while he would understand our grieving, he would be impatient with it, preferring that we celebrate life rather than mourn death. So instead, we ask you to celebrate the impact this great man had not only on The Martin Agency, but on the industry as a whole. We love you Mike.”

The Martin Agency created a webpage where mourners can go to leave a message.

An “autobiographical obituary” was posted on a blog Hughes used to share his cancer story with others.

“After many unexplained delays, I have finally lived up to my prognosis and have at last departed this life. It’s been a life I’ve loved,” he wrote. “In the months leading up to this moment, I was astonished at the outpouring of love and caring and respect from hundreds of people.  There were handwritten notes, emails, blog posts, comments, letters, magazine articles, personal visits and phone calls. The tsunami of glorious thoughts sent my way has made it increasingly hard to justify my deep insecurity about my place in the world—an insecurity I’ve clung to all my life.”

After paragraphs about his family and friends, Hughes concluded his own obituary with “one final thought.”

“I hope each of you enjoys every minute of your life.  You’ve all contributed so much to mine,” he said. “And one last favor.  Keep me in your thoughts. I love you.”