Industry mourns Shane Weaver, 51

Over the last week, tributes have poured in for the former Australian professional boxing champion and author, who was one of the most respected creative directors in the Ogilvy network. Weaver, who leaves behind wife Kate and three young daughters, has been credited with forging an environment that allowed a new breed of direct marketing creatives to thrive. "His talent and energy were relentless," said Chris Riley, managing director Southern China at OgilvyOne. "He was banned from commenting on how short a time it took him to develop ideas -- it exposed one of the agency's secret weapons, made clients nervous and creative colleagues green with envy." Indeed, Weaver's creativity was recognised at more than 50 international and regional award shows. Dressed in his customary black kurta, he also made a passionate speaker and helped put direct marketing on the agenda at industry events. "You could hear a pin drop in every client presentation or internal gathering when Shane took to the stage. Every part of the audience was held and every nuance of the message expertly delivered," added Riley. A fund has been established for Weaver's three daughters -- Pippa, Olivia and Georgia -- that will be used to help meet education costs. The development of a 'Wordweaver' site, featuring selections of Shane's work, video, music clips and personal images, is also in the works. OgilvyOne will also create a short film as a tribute to Weaver's contribution while he worked at the agency, highlighting some of his most notable work, which included his first piece of work, 'Lipstick'. It won a silver award at the New York Festival and demonstrated Weaver's favourite phrase, "secretarial sabotage". OgilvyOne CD, Shayne Pooley, who worked with Weaver, described him as one of life's scholars. "Under the battle hardened exterior was a mind that could apply itself to anything. He was awesome. He was one of the smartest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. It's a big loss for Ogilvy, but an even bigger loss for the industry."