Gary Richard Bebee (May 13, 1946 – February 12, 2017)

Gary Richard Bebee was not Mr. Wrigley's most newsworthy hire on St. Patrick's Day 1980, but over the next 30 years he proved to be one of the most effective.

On Gary's first day at the Wrigley Company, Mr. Wrigley cut their meeting short. "I have to convince a Cubs pitcher that he is not worth half as much as he thinks to finalize his contract." Gary responded with his signature dry humor, "Mr. Wrigley, tell him you could hire 3 marketing directors for that amount." Later, Mr. Wrigley pulled Gary aside, "You know that idea of yours? It didn't work." The player was traded. Gary became Vice President of Marketing and an officer of the company in 1995.

Gary made a huge impact on the cultural and social landscape of America through his great work on some of America's most iconic brands. Gary had a brilliant mind and brought such creativity and intellect to all of his work that inspired others to do great work. Many of the creative images that Gary crafted and curated became some of the best and most well-known images in America's advertising history. Who can forget Wrigley's Spearmint's "Keeps You Hummin" to Big Red's "Kiss a Little Longer" to Doublemint's "Double Your Pleasure" and Juicy Fruit's "Grab a Stick of Juicy Fruit, the Taste is Gonna Move You". When we close our eyes today we can still see those vivid and colorful images and hear those catchy jingles, all from Gary's brilliance.

A graduate of University of Colorado in Aeronautical Engineering and Business, Gary was a "rocket scientist." He helped introduce digital technologies that accelerated Wrigley's growth. Gary was also critical to the design and construction of Wrigley's world class Innovation Center on Goose Island, Chicago's first LEED Gold certified building. Gary was a gifted teacher. "He was more than the boss. He invested time in people, teaching them skills and building their confidence. He cared."

Gary brought an amazing sense of humor to work every day and to those around him. He was also the world's absolute best practical joker. His annual holiday card became a highly sought after collector's item because of the intense humor and joy he created each year for those around him. Gary was dearly loved by his colleagues and by the two generations of the Wrigley family.

No one knew this more than his grandchildren. "Bops" was a patient teacher and consistent cheerleader. Gary cherished family trips. July 4th he and Barbara went to their North Carolina beach house with their kids and grandkids. Each August he went fly-fishing in Wyoming with his father, son and grandson. He was especially close to his college roommate, Ellison S. Onizuka, an astronaut who invited Gary's family as his special guests to the space shuttle Challenger launch.

Gary was born May 13, 1946 in Independence, Missouri to Dale and Zella Bebee. Gary died February 12, 2017. He is survived by wife Barbara, his children, Jack (Candace), Beth (Dave), Karen (Matthew) and his beloved grandchildren: Tyler, Amina, Madeline, Hazel and Oskar. Also surviving are his devoted father, Dale, and loving sisters Alisa (Rich) and Christine (Jim).

Internment is Private. Friends and colleagues invite you to celebrate Gary on his Wrigley Start Date St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2017. MidAmerica Club, 200 E. Randolph Street, Chicago. 5:30 – 8:00 PM.

Memorial Donations may be made to ROW: RECOVERY ON WATER. 1200 West 35th Street. Chicago, IL 60609 . www.recoveryonwater.org/donate.