He lost a short battle against liver cancer at the age of 51 in Hong Kong on June 1.
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."
TRIBUTES
"I received an SMS from Shane recently. It said, 'U have been the best friend I've ever had. I love u'. In return I flew up and saw him the day before he died, to tell him in person that he was the best friend I ever had. And that I loved him too. He was more than my mate. He was my partner. Mate, I'll miss you."
Shayne Pooley, CD, OgilvyOne Singapore
"Shane was one of the most gifted writers I've worked with. And, as a CD, he inspired everyone who worked with him. He was instrumental in making OgilvyOne Singapore into the creative force that it is today. During his relatively short time in Hong Kong, he made a massive contribution to the agency's creative reputation. He had achieved so much, but you couldn't ask for a more down-to-earth, genuine guy. We'll all miss him.
Graham Kelly, ECD Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore
"In a business that is usually pressure-packed and stressful, Shane's friendly greeting and grin were a great way to start my day. In almost 20 years in the business I've never been inspired by a person so consistently 'up', optimistic, hardworking and helpful as Shane Weaver. I'm a better person for having known him."
Kelly Olafson, regional operations director - global clients Ogilvy & Mather, Singapore
"He was a man of substance. He was a great mentor and guru to me - soft spoken, intelligent and incredibly warm. He was famous for his wise words, and his fights to ensure the best work was done - they were battles to the end. He had an amazing creative talent and encouraged us all to be winners in every aspect of life. He respected serenity and always gave his all - no matter what time of day or when the client needed him."
Lala Ismail, Ogilvy Singapore
"I am very grateful to have known Shane. He was a colossal influence on me and I shall never forget him. Shane lit every room he entered. I was always in complete awe. He'd walk past my desk on the way to the toilet, give me a wink and whisper 'cubicle number 2 mate'. He made me laugh, a lot. I shall miss him and am honoured to have worked with him."
Dominic Goldman, interactive CD, OgilvyOne Singapore.