Irving Stimpson, 85, Rose From Clerk To Ad Executive

Irving Stimpson, a popular Seattle toastmaster, advertising executive and civic leader, put charm, spunk and creativity into every endeavor.

Once a Seattle Jaycees' "Young Man of the Year" (1947), the former Boy Scout leader cherished people in all walks of life.

Yet he didn't mind mixing it up. In the 1970s, he led campaigns against "bottle-law" proponents who wanted to tax bottling and beverage-sales industries for dealing in potential litter. His sometimes-controversial radio and TV spots actually helped popularize recycling.

"He was a leader, and the story of his ascendance was amazing," said his son, David Stimpson of New York City. "He worked his way up from grocery clerk, drew wonderful cartoons for people, and was a great storyteller."

Mr. Stimpson died last Thursday (Aug. 19) of pneumonia. He was 85.

A native of Portland, he grew up in Oakland and Seattle. He was active in Scouting and graduated in 1932 from Queen Anne High School.

He studied English and art at the University of Washington. He also clerked at Safeway, and drew cartoons for the company newsletter. He moved into the advertising department because of that skill.

He served in Alaska during WWII

He served in the Army Signal Corps in Alaska during World War II. After the war, he began doing community relations for Safeway. He joined Seattle Junior Chamber of Commerce, raised funds for Community Chest and served as president of the Washington chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Stimpson began working for the Frederick E. Baker advertising and public-relations firm in the late 1940s. He became a partner in 1961. He formed his own agency, later Stimpson Associates, in 1964. He retired in the 1980s.

"He loved going to meetings and being with people, and had great integrity," said his second wife, Cynthia Stimpson, to whom he was married 29 years. "He had a policy at the agency that they would not work on a campaign unless the whole staff could support it. He was very persuasive."

Clients included regional businesses

Clients included regional businesses such as Crescent Foods, Allied Stores' Shopping Centers Division, Roto-Rooter and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of King County.

He was a former president of United Way and the Chief Seattle Council of Boy Scouts, and a board member of many other groups.

His passion was drawing. He not only made his own Christmas cards, but with his wife designed and built a cabin on Orcas Island.

"He was diligent . . . he overbuilt," said his wife. "That's how he was. That cabin will stand forever. And I just wanted a tent platform!"

Also surviving are his daughter, Carol Christensen, Portland; half-sister, June Thornley, Bothell; and a grandson. His first wife, Annette Stimpson, died in 1967.

Services were to be at 4 p.m. today at Evergreen-Washelli Chapel, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle.

Donations may go to Chief Seattle Boy Scout Council or United Way of King County.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com