Wally Allen Funeral Tuesday (today) @ 1.30pm
The service for Wally Allen will be held at St Thomas Church, North Sydney (across the road from the Union Hotel), at 1.30 today (Tuesday 16th June). The wake will be at his home in Longueville.
The Australian ad industry will be saddened to hear of the passing ofWally Allen, aged 73, who tragically died yesterday morning afterplaying golf.
Allen was one of the five creative directors of the mighty George Patterson, Sydney in its heyday in the 80s and early 90s, along with John Fawcett, John Finkelsen, Marty Kellard and Peter Heathwood.
Wally’s early years were spent in agencies in Brisbane. His first Sydney agency was McClelland’s, followed by Clemenger, Brown and Bruce, and Pritchard Wood. He then was creative director of Coudrey’s for four years. He joined Ted Bates in Malaysia as creative director then joined Patts as a senior writer, eventually rising to creative director.
Says News Limited CEO John Hartigan: “I remember Wally with deep affection and am deeply saddened by his death. He was a master of style and understated elegance in everything he did. Our paths first crossed when I was editor of the Daily Telegraph in the late 80s and Wally was writing radio and TV scripts. He was a class act in all ways – never rattled when this journalist (wrongly) thought he could improve some of his scripts. Please pass on my condolences to his family as Wally will be very much missed by many in Australia’s print industry.”
Says Charles Shiplee, former director of George Patts Sydney, now working in London:”Wally was one of the guys who made life at George Patts such a joy.Trying to please some clients was not always easy but with Wally’s (andhis art director John Tourier’s) great work it was somehow a littleeasier. He was one of the gentlemen of the profession. Over twentyyears ago, one Christmas, Wally gave me a radio. It’s a reproduction ofa 30’s wood model. It still sits on my mantlepiece in London and when Iuse it it reminds me of 252 George Street and everyone there. It willbe a little sadder to listen to it from now on! My thoughts go to hisfamily and to all of us for whom Wally was a mate and that’s a lot ofpeople!”
Says John Finkelsen: “Who can forget those sparkling eyes and cheeky grin. What a gentleman Wally Allen was, with never a bad word to say about anyone. We worked together and lunched together at Patts for many many years. Thank you for those days Wally, and those wonderful and treasured memories.
I miss you mate.
There are a lot of very sad people in town today.
My condolences to Bev and the boys. Thinking of you constantly.”
Adds Mary Finkelsen: “Wally Allen – the true gentleman of advertising.I was at Patts for 11 years and had the pleasure of having Wally as myCreative Director on various accounts for 8 years. He was alwayshelpful, sympathetic, professional entertaining and just alwaysapproachable. Enjoyed many a lunch with Wally and a various bunch ofus – Yelena, Colin, Rick, James, Fink, Chris, Ronzo, Macca, Ian,Fawcett – the list goes on. They were the days when a lunch wascompulsory in the business! Then of course the long lunch continuedonto Blueberries. Wally always stayed tidy and dapper.
“I worked on Crisco Canola Oil and Gold’n Canola with Wally. I’llalways remember his campaign for Uncle Ben’s Working Dog formula whenthe script opened with the line..”A Basenji climbing up a tree”. TheUncle Ben’s Brand Manager at the time was ridiculed from his mates backat work about dogs and climbing a tree. They were telling him that theagency is obviously taking the mickey out of him as dogs don’t climbtrees (that was something else that was compulsory in the 90’s). Sothat Brand Manager called Wally and he insisted that the Basenji is theonly dog that can climb trees.
“I’m sure that Wally and Heathwood are having an incredible long lunch at the moment – cheers!
“Love to Bev and his family.”
This from Peter and Charm Wall from Off The Wall: “Wally was and still is a highly respected, dapper, humble, charming, wonderful man with a genuine heart. A man that gave respect to an industry that can be fraught with all of the opposites. Wally will be missed in so many ways by us all. So very hard to believe right now that he has moved on.
Our heart goes out to you, Bev and family. Thank you for your strength in passing on this very sad news to us all.
Take good care,
Love Charm and Peter.”
Wally leaves behind his wife Beverly, his sons Cameron and Timothy and their respective wife and girlfriend Emma and Nicola.
23 Comments
Of Wally’s many friends, I got to know the man later in life. The word gentleman is not used often in Australia, because there are so few. Dapper is another rare word. Funny as a fight is more common, but rarely matched with such a sense of decency and consideration. He was a true friend to so many and sitting down with him was always a pleasure with a cheerful responsibility to try hard to match his wit and knowlege. We wont forget, Wal, we’ll talk about you forever. Goodbye for now.
Cheers, MacT
Wally. The true gentleman of Advertising. Wordsmith.
Pillar of decency. Great Friend.
Being up here, and feeling quite isolated, I find some comfort
in that I can share the burden of my grief with you all.
The Maylaya Lunch club
Wally’s friends. Our friends.
“ One must always find time for Lunch “ WA
Miss you dear friend
RICK REID
SAIGON
Wally and I worked together at Patts for twenty years, mostly on the St George account. Throughout that time he stood out as a true professional, and unlike me, he never once lost his cool, no matter how demanding the assignment or how tight the deadline. More recently I have enjoyed Wally’s company and reminiscing with him, Cleggy, Macka and Coxy on our golfing gettaways. Sadly they will be lesser affairs in the future.
Rick Osborn
I can’t get the client to buy the creative.
Really!
The material deadline is 5.00pm tonight and I’m stuffed.
I’ll tell you what, I’ll come out to the clients’ with you and we’ll see
what we can do, and if we can sell them something how about you buying a
spot of lunch and a glass or two of red on the way back to the agency.
You’re on!
As a ‘suit’ at Patts in the late 80s and 90s I have many fond memories of the jams Wally got me out of with his professionalism and compassion,
and the many bottles of red we shared.
Ross Moyle
Nice comment Ross.
I didn’t know Wally, but you’ve painted a really nice picture of him.
Wally was a true gentleman and also the most gentle man. He was such a wonderful friend to me, and a mentor through my first years in advertising. He also taught me a thing or two about long lunches and red wine! Although I have not seen him or Beverly for several years, I remember them both with such fondness. I am so very sad to hear of Wally’s passing and my love goes to lovely Beverly, his family and his friends – and particularly to my dear friends, Yelana and Colin. We never had that last lunch, and I will always regret it.
Wally Allen was one of those rare individuals you felt privileged to have
shared part of your life with. Wally and I worked together at Patts in
Sydney for 15 years before I moved to Brisbane and when I think back to the
close family of friends that we were in those days it is impossible not to
see Wally as an irrepressible part of that family. Wally had a genuine love
of people and he was much loved in return. He had an infectious happy nature
and people were happy to be around him. He had a professionalism that
inspired all of us who worked with him to lift our game. When they fashioned
the phrase “good bloke” Wally was the mould it was fashioned from. When we
look back on the “good old days” Wally will be an essential missing piece of
the jigsaw – he’ll be much missed by us all.
Chris Copeland
Managing Partner
Axis Campaigns
Brisbane
Wally was understated in everything; the way he dressed, the way he quietly spoke, the way he helped people find their feet.
I was one of those who Wally helped.
I was fifteen when I first met him at McClelland Advertising, in Elizabeth Bay.
It was my first bite at advertising and I was just the office boy.
Wally was one of two copywriters. The other was Chuck Hall – who with cruel luck, also died in the last few days.
(Wally was set to join us for Chuck’s wake next week).
Now we’ll have a wake for both.
Wally was the dapper one.
Wally would lean carefully against the doorway of the Creative Department, looking like …a copywriter.
In tweeds and tan brogues, often with a polite bowtie. Always neat and correct.
He convinced me. That’s what I wanted to be. A copywriter just like Wally. He suggested I read Esquire magazine, for the ads, the fashion articles and especially the essays.
Eventually he invited me to the agency Friday lunch at the Tai Ping where I had my first beer, my first mudcrab.
Wally gave me my first brief while I was still the officeboy, and corrected my first attempts at copywriting.
And when I was retrenched from McClellands, he gave me my first job as a junior copywriter – on the Salvation Army account – at Hawkins Advertising, where he was Creative Director.
Wally Allen was a first in so many ways.
I’m indebted to him.
David Morris
Wally Allen was a true gentlemen and one of advertising’s colourful characters.
A Friday night at Patts, just wouldn’t be a Friday night without Wally and Yelena in the studio, cigarette in hand, re working yet another St.George ad… always with laughter and humour.
Love to Beverly and his family.
Pearl
I might be one of the last people who work together with Wally, just days before. Although we have only been working together for less than a year, I am confident to say that he is one of the few that I love to work together with. I have never met such true gentlemen like him. He’s so creative and talented and have made the boring products that we were working with so lively and interesting. He flattened all of the challenges for me and made my job so much easier. I am sure myself and our whole company will miss him….. and will remain deep in my heart for a very long time. I regret that I didn’t spend more time with you, Wally.
May the grace of God be with you and your family. + Love to Beverly and his family.
Alpha Anderson
Wally Allen took pity on a young writer who arrived fresh off the plane from Adelaide in the late 70s to work at Patts Sydney. Walking those hallowed mahogany halls of George Street, full of very senior creatives, was incredibly daunting but Wally generously took me under his wing. For many years to come, it wouldn’t matter how busy, he was always happy to help with a question about grammar, an idea, a client or about life in general – a true mentor. Wally wasn’t scared to take on the most difficult clients and turn them into gold because he knew how to build their trust and respect – he made a great agency greater. Wally enriched our lives, keeping us grounded with his perspicacious humour – a gentleman with style, who walked but never ran.
As always, thanks Wal
Mark Killey
We knew Wally for over 20 and 30 years respectively. We had some wonderful times with he and Bev. Great lunches, dinners and a skiing holiday at the lodge he and his family loved. On the snow fields, and with magnificent post skiing cocktails, he was as elegant as in all aspects of his life. Wally derived great pride from Bev’s success as a botanical artist of note over the last few years. His death is a terrible loss for us but especially for Bev and his sons Cameron and Tim.
Yes, Wally was a very “Dapper Gentleman” but, he
was also an incredibly considerate and kind man.
He was a creative man.
He was very mischievous man.
He was the King of the “Limp Fall”.
He was the master of the limerick.
He was an anthology of knowledge.
He was more, much much more –
he was our friend and our loved one.
Farewell our dear friend.
You will never be forgotten.
Yelena C.
I first met Wally in Kuala Lumpur when he was Creative Director in our KL office. I was on a Malaysian Airlines familiarization junket. I liked him immediately and was delighted when, on his return to Sydney, Ross Quinliven assigned him to work with me on a pitch for the Yates Seeds account.Needless to say, with some great words from Wal and some great layouts by John Tourrier, we won the business.
Some time later we won the Japan Airlines account and this same team did some really fine work which saw big increases in business for the airline. The Japanese Client had great respect for Wally`s work and one day he said to me…”Phirr, you must take Warry Arren with you to Tokyo on famirrization trip because he do berry good tings for Japan Airrines”. So we went up to Japan (had fun at the newly opened Disneyland) and then flew down to Hong Kong where Wally presented our work at the regional meeting. Much sucking in of breath and many “Ah sohs”.
Others have mentioned his great sense of style.With his tweed jackets, regimental stripe ties, upright posture and elegant moustachiod visage, he looked like a retired Cavalry officer….even after a million drinks down at the Metropolitan!
I really enjoyed working with Wal and he was nearly always right on the mark on the “How to say” from the “What to say” brief.It`s a part of life in the Agency I truly miss.
In more recent times Jenny and I have enjoyed a couple of stays with Wally and Bev down at their Thredbo ski lodge. Wal was a fearless skier doncher know? And I have been delighted to be part of the exPatts touring golf team when Wally and I have set some fabulous records in “number of hits per game!”
Our sincere sympathies go out to you, Bev,Cameron and Tim. We will miss him greatly but we have some wonderful memories.
Wow… I wonder if we have any people left in our business (or in society in general) like this man? I never knew him, but he sounds absolutely remarkable.
I never met or worked with Wally, so having read all these wonderful tributes, I sit here envious of those who did, and yet sad that the only way I was able to get to ‘know’ him is through his passing.
Australia celebrates its Living National Treasures; why don’t we do the same with our Living Advertising Legends (the real ones)? Why is it that we only seem to acknowledge or comprehend the contribution and influence of these quiet achievers only after they’re no longer here; why aren’t we celebrating this – showing our appreciation of and regard for them – while they’re still with us?
From what I’ve read here I expect someone as generous of his talents and spirit as Wally would’ve been modest enough to be abashed at my suggestion.
Wally, I’m sorry I didn’t get to enjoy a red over a long lunch with you, but I raise my next glass to you.
Cheers.
I had the good fortune to work in Wally’s team for more than ten years alongside true pros like John, Ray and him. New in adland, I was gauche and raw, but Wally was always kind and patient, never once hard on me. Yes he was a true gentleman, I’ll miss him and will say prayer for him.
I was so saddened this evening to hear of the passing of Wally. He truley was a remarkable man, loving father and adoring husband. He was a man of style and class and always the gentleman. I will never forget his offer of an evening ‘screw driver’! My condolences go out to Cameron and Tim, their respective partners and of course to the lovely Beverley.
I worked with Wally on the Telegraph. I would sit opposite his sea of papers and pens. Little mountains and valleys of words and ideas tumbled, assembled and quivered. I would wonder at this array of industry and felt great fondness for the sheer mess and mayhem that was also so very much, Wally.
My love to Beverley and family.
Having just discovered this website, I can rather tardily now say how much I enjoyed working with Wally. He was unique. He appeared to be from an earlier, perhaps more conservative, but more gentlemanly time. I think he would have easily fitted into an Edwardian society , with his impeccable tailoring, his bow ties, his ready wit. But he was also abreast of the times. He loved his cars, his travelling, and all the excitement of urgent deadlines. He was great to work with. He had the confidence to allow others to have their say, and was always ready to accept their ideas and incorporate them into his work.
On reading of his death, I can only say that it seemed to me to have been a misprint. I mean, Wally couldn’t be dead! He was one of my friends who was always there. I still can’t quite believe it.
Farewell Wal. What to say after all the earlier and so well said tributes.
I will always remember our early Brisbane days: office boys no less, along with Peter Heathwood and Lionel Ross. After which we all went acopywriting.
Sorry my comments are a shade behind, but Bev found my address on Wal’s desk only last Saturday (July 3) and immediately advised.
Was shocked: after literally years of trying to track down Wal and Bev – I ‘ve been out of Aus for many years – I stumbled across the contact info and immediately phoned. To my delight, Wal answered the call and exploded ‘Brian Bloody Wilmott!’ To which of course I had to admit.
Wonderful conversation with Wal and Bev. Arranged to get back in touch soon.
Not soon enough.
All the tribute adjectives describing Wally are apt and accurate…. and inadequate, with due respect. Cannot add to them, however. I wish among other things that I could gather some of his friends in KL, to have a wee drink – a Tiger or two – at a place called The Ship, and reminisce. As happenstance has it, I can and In fact I will.
Anybody doing aything more importnat late- to mid-August?
Take care all. Hello especially Yelena.
It was my pleasure to work with Wally many times during the ‘ golden years ‘ and it was always a fun, productive and focussed experience. He’ll be sadly missed. The industry needs more people like Wally Allan.
I’m a stranger in your midst. My message is really for Phil Clegg who coached me on my first day in Ted Bates, Hong Kong, after Rosser Reeves, whom I interviewed as a business columnist, became my mentor and convinced me to give up journalism for advertising. It was the best decision I made in life.
I spent a wonderful evening with Phil and Jenny at what was then their home, in French’s Forest in Sidney, if my memory hasn’t failed me. That was the last time I met Phil and after the boat ride back to Sydney and Vaucluse, I moved on and left Ted Bates at the end of my seventh year with that agency, to begin the long journey that has taken me through countless challenges and battles as a corporate builder.
Long story, but that really isn’t why I venture this breach of protocol to insert this intrusive and unwarranted message meant for an old friend. I have spent over 30 years in North America, continuing the life of a corporate samurai but never once have I not wished I still had old friends from that crazy business called advertising, and the wonderful and selfless people who had counseled me during my formative years at Ted Bates.
And that is why I still have Phil and Jenny in my memory. Not only that. I also remember Doug Bailey, Art Director, who, once upon a time, when I took the agency back to Sydney, as a client of Ted Bates, for a shoot of a corporate launch TV commercial at Luna Park, took me on an evening drive to a suburb to visit his sister, we came upon a hilly road where the moon that night was so huge that it seemed to cover half the sky. I have often wondered about this place, this road, and if only I knew where it was located, I would most likely take time off from the long and winding road of Life to revisit this suburb, this moon.
I am rather hoping this message will reach Phil. But even if it doesn’t, it will have served its purpose of relieving me of one burden in my memory of things past.. And to all the others, please accept my apology for this intrusion.
André Ip
Vancouver, British Columbia