Brian Edward Williams OBITUARY

Brian Edward Williams OBITUARY

Brian Edward Williams, devoted husband, father, friend, athlete, leader, entrepreneur, and cherished “Papa Thor,’’ passed away on April 5, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. He was 75.

A true salt-of-the-earth man and eternal optimist, Brian met life with strength, humility, and an enduring belief in the good in people.

Brian was born on July 31, 1950, in Gary, Indiana to Dr. Hugh J. Williams and Lillian Isabel Williams. He grew up in North Oaks, Minnesota, where he developed a lifelong love of sports and competition. Modest to a fault, he was a passionate and accomplished athlete, excelling in tennis, ice hockey, and nearly anything he set his mind to.

Brian attended Mounds View High School before going on to Dartmouth College, where he was recruited to play both ice hockey and tennis. He went on to compete in both singles and doubles, winning the Eastern Doubles Championship and serving as team co-captain. At Dartmouth, he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. After graduation, he went on to earn his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Brian began his career in 1975 at Leo Burnett in Chicago, where his ability to connect with people, paired with strong business instincts and creativity, allowed him to thrive. Working on major brands such as Procter & Gamble and Kraft, he built lifelong friendships with colleagues who became like family. It was also at Leo Burnett where Brian met the love of his life, Barbara Bruck, his true partner whom he affectionately referred to as Barbie.

Over 23 years at Leo Burnett, Brian rose to be Executive Vice President of the Chicago office, before being asked to serve as President of Foote, Cone & Belding in 1998. Brian went on to be the founder of Element 79 in 2001, named after the periodic table element for gold, reflecting his belief in the golden rule. Under his leadership, the agency became one of the most celebrated in the industry, known not only for its creative success but for its people-first culture and sense of fun.

Throughout his career, Brian served on several boards, including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and CDW. He was widely respected for his integrity, strong moral compass, and his belief that great work should also be meaningful and enjoyable.

While Brian was a giant in the world of advertising, his true passion was entrepreneurship. Brian and Barbara co-founded Oil Oasis, an innovative mobile oil-changing company. He also loved to invest in things that brought him joy. He invested in and was a partial owner of minor league baseball teams, notably the Lansing Lugnuts and the Montgomery Biscuits. Additionally, in his retirement he loved to invest in real estate together with his wife and girls. He split time between Winnetka, Punta Mita and Kiawah Island. These communities became a second home to Brian, and he found great joy in building lasting connections with the people he opened his homes to.

Above all, Brian was devoted to his family. A proud girl dad, he spent countless hours supporting and encouraging his daughters, whether on the tennis court, in the stands, or simply by offering “tips” with enthusiasm and care. As a husband and partner, he was steady, supportive, and deeply present, building a life with Barbara rooted in shared experiences, friendship and true partnership.

He will be remembered for his clever wit, unwavering loyalty, no-frills attitude, lifelong friendships built on the tennis court and golf course, and prioritizing what matters most – people. A true champion of others and a steadfast defender of the underdog.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Bruck Williams; his three daughters: Kellar, Ryan (Jack), Cameron (Mike), and his brother, Dr. Hugh J. Williams Jr. He was a proud and devoted “Papa Thor” to Williams, Carter, Beckett, John, and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Hugh J. Williams, Lillian Isabel Williams and his sister, Susan Rogstad.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 8, 2026, at Skokie Country Club at 1:00 p.m. Attire is encouraged to reflect Brian’s spirit, no black, and instead, guests are asked to dress in fun fashion that celebrates their memories of him, however no jeans are allowed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Erika’s Lighthouse, a charity most near and dear to the Wiliams family. http://erikaslighthouse.org/donate