Tribute by Matthew Bull
I read today that Tony Koenderman had passed away.
If ever there was a man who earned the mantle “legend”, it was Koenders.
I recall the first time I spoke to him as a wiseass creative director at Tholet Sievers, telling him how great we were. He calmly told me he would reserve judgement. Which, in a sense, epitomised the man. He had values, principles. He was not one for the flamboyant, off-the-cuff, flavour of the month. He was studied, meticulous, professional. But he knew what he liked. And what he liked were companies, people, work that tried to do things of exceptional value, things of substance.
I learned a great deal from him. I had a propensity to shoot my mouth off in those early days and a man of lesser integrity could have burned me on the page, had he so chosen to. Instead, he would advise me against certain statements, certain provocations — even though there is little doubt he could have taken advantage of them.
He was an incredible and unstinting supporter of our industry — the very best part of our industry. He believed fervently in the power of creativity to positively transform companies, brands, lives. Thanks to him, in the ’90s and 2000s, he gave us a collective identity as an industry through AdFocus and AdReview. As an agency owner and leader, I can tell you that I had no prouder a moment than when our agency won Agency of The Year. And no more disappointing a moment when we didn’t. Because I knew that Tony would have been ethical and exceptionally diligent in ensuring his fellow judges took in all the information, all the facts, before deciding.
Much like he would do when he wrote an article.
I have missed Tony immensely as a business associate for the last decade; I have yet to meet a journalist globally that could hold a torch to his journalistic and human abilities.
I know I speak for an entire industry when I say he will be, and has been, sorely missed. A great champion has left us. But may his legacy inspire others forever.
My condolences to all his loved ones, of which I know there were many.
Matthew.
Matthew Bull | New York chief creative officer | mcgarrybowen
Industry reaction on Twitter
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Tony Koenderman. A true legend of our industry. Our sincerest condolences to the family.
— The MediaShop (@MediaShopZA) April 11, 2017
RIP #tonykoenderman, you were a hero in the ad industry and a fantastic journalist. Condolences to the Koenderman family. You were a legend!
— Mediamark (@mediaworldSA) April 11, 2017
The industry has lost a stalwart and a real gentleman in Tony Koenderman – enquiring, ethical and interested – go well Tony!!
— Sean McCoy (@TheRealMcCoyTRM) April 11, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family & friends of renowned media editor #tonykoenderman @finweek. A professional and a true gentleman #RIP
— Gisèle WertheimAymés (@giselewaymes) April 11, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman – a man of so many great words, an industry leader and a really lovely humble gentleman! Your memory will live on
— Bonfire Media (@BonfireMediaZA) April 10, 2017
This right here is my favourite #TonyKoenderman moment. The lifetime achievemenent award at the @loeries . Such a fun moment. #RIP ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/J0as1IDSHX
— Sylvester Chauke (@sylvesterchauke) April 10, 2017
Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Tony Koenderman.He did so much for our industry and so much for https://t.co/bCjrIBxksX Koenders.
— Matthew LC Bull (@StixBull) April 10, 2017
RIP Tony Koenderman, a formidable journalist who thoroughly mastered his beat
— Duncan McLeod (@mcleodd) April 10, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of advertising industry stalwart Tony Koenderman. #RIP and condolences to his friends and family.
— Andrew Brand (@99cbrand) April 10, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman. A passionate, committed journalist who gave his all to the SA industry for so many years. https://t.co/ONinQ4EplP
— emmetohanlon (@emmetohanlon) April 10, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman A giant loss to business journalism & the ad world. Your wonderful wit & sharp intellect will be remembered.
— Louise Marsland (@Louise_Marsland) April 10, 2017
@abelmike RIP #Tony Koenderman: he knew Chesham and Amersham, advertising and Advertising and much in between. Big shoes to fill.
— Jeremy Sampson (@jdrsampson) April 10, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman : a gentleman, I always enjoyed chatting to. Condolences to his family. Thank you for the warm support over many years. pic.twitter.com/Cy6bGNQj5H
— Mike Abel (@abelmike) April 10, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman It was an honour working with you and sharing in some great wine-induced lunch sessions.
— Craig Page-Lee (@cpl_ignite) April 10, 2017
Farewell #TonyKoenderman. A passionate ad man and a true wordsmith. You pioneered advertising journalism, and deserve the industry’s salute
— Andy Rice (@ricecommaandy) April 10, 2017
Our hearts go out to the Koenderman family today. Tony left a legacy and the ad industry is poorer without him. https://t.co/AmHwdToTnH xx
— Y&R South Africa (@YoungRubicamSA) April 10, 2017
RIP #TonyKoenderman A true role model with an enormous passion for the advertising and communication industry – The #FHFamily
— FleishmanHillardZA (@fleishmanZA) April 10, 2017
Announcement by family
The family of veteran industry journalist, editor and commentator, Tony Koenderman, has announced that he passed away on Sunday evening, 9 April 2017, from complications that arose after an operation for a broken leg and an extended stay in ICU.
“Tony loved the advertising and marketing industry and nothing gave him greater joy or pride than to have played a role in it for over 30 years,” writes his daughter, Samantha Koenderman. “He founded AdFocus, then AdReview, and over the years had a weekly column at Financial Mail and FinWeek. He was a perfectionist and always pushed himself to compete, not against others, but against himself.
“As much as he loved journalism, his greatest pleasure was the friends he made in the industry and the people he met. His face lit up when he spoke about conversations he’d had with Graham Warsop, Andy Rice, the ever-generous Ken Varejes and other advertising heavyweights. And he always had a glint in his eye when he heard about the antics of advertising’s more-rebellious creatives. He was a loved husband, father, friend and member of the advertising industry. He will be sorely missed.”
Koenderman is survived by his wife Christine and his children Tonya, Samantha and Gregory. Information about his funeral will follow.
Condolences to Tony’s friends and family from the team at MarkLives.
— Sign up now for the MarkLives email newsletter every Monday and Thursday, now including headlines from the Ramify.biz company newsroom service!