By Rick Stanton
“Rick, it’s Larry Coffman on line two.”
“Tell him I’m in Nepal studying to become a Buddhist priest.”
And when I took the call, it always began the same way.
“Stanton, Coffman.”
He’d call my office at least once a year, asking when he’d be receiving my ad for that year’s MARKETING ATLAS.
I remember once telling him, “Why don’t we just go someplace nice and drink $300 worth of bourbon? It would make both of us much happier than running an ad that never generated one response for my shop.”
The years went by, and I began to pull my head out of my butt far enough to understand what Larry actually was doing.
Larry was, is and always has been the “Gorilla Glue” of the Northwest advertising and marketing community.
In an environment that has been something less than collegial over the years, Larry—with his commitment to our industry—found ways to knit us together with information, support and a voice.
So, when I got a phone call from his daughter, Melissa, that AAF Seattle (aka The Ad Club) had created The Coffman Award,, I felt a sense of justice and appreciation for who the man is and for all he’s done for marketing communications in the Northwest.
And Melissa is not only his daughter, she’s been instrumental in helping Larry build the Northwest marcomm community and will be the rock going forward, ensuring that his legacy continues.
It’s too bad she wasn’t old enough to eavesdrop on some of our “sessions” in the old Sixth Avenue Motel bar, with Shannon Sweatte holding court. Larry and I talked baseball, politics and, of course, advertising and marketing for hours on end. In the process, I discovered a dear friend and came to appreciate how important he has been to our business.
The Coffman Award is nice, and long overdue, but it’s not nearly enough—given what Larry has meant to our industry.
And Larry, I still would love to spend $300 with you in the Met bar. My treat, of course. And Melissa, please join us and bring your ID. Wink, wink.
Well put Rick and Howard. I’ve felt that Larry made possible connections between people and disciplines with his persistence and enthusiasm that no one else could. A well deserved award.
Rick,
I second your tribute, though not knowing Larry as well or as long. He always took my calls and I am not in the advertising marketing biz. He would generously laugh over my practical jokes on the phone. I remember that motel bar and several occasions having a horn or two. Larry was fun to have a drink with as he felt no obligation to pick up the tab. I remember once spotting him to a few and him ordering a cheap Pink Zinfandel wine and while telling stories spilled more on his V neck sweater than in his mouth. Cheers.
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