Peter McHugh

PETER MCHUGH

Edina, Minn.

Peter McHugh peacefully passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, following a short illness. Peter was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 10, 1955, to Peter F. McHugh Sr., and Nancy Green McHugh. He attended Johnson Elementary, Franklin Junior High and Washington High School. Following graduation in 1973, he attended Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in advertising. Peter was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity as was his grandfather, Howard R. Green.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia McHugh, her mother, brother, family and sons, Bryan and Michael of Edina, Minn.; and his sister, Kathy McHugh Bauer and his niece, Emily Bauer in Colorado. Many cousins from the Kemp and Green families survive.

Peter became a creative force in the advertising world following his graduation from ASU. He created acclaimed campaigns as copywriter and creative director at agencies including DDB Worldwide, Young & Rubicam, Fallon Worldwide, 180 Amsterdam, Carmichael Lynch, and Leo Burnett.

His "Impossible is Nothing" campaign for Adidas included a commercial with Muhammed Ali and his daughter, Laila, that was awarded the "Top Marketing Moment" from the last 10 years by the Advertising Club of New York. In 1994, Peter made the ranks of Creativity Magazine's "Top Ten Creative Directors in the World." In his career, he was awarded 18 Cannes Lions, 22 One Show Pencils, and 47 Effies.

Peter was an avid sports fan, having aced a job interview by naming all the college mascot names that ended in a vowel. He enjoyed a well-tuned guitar, a well-played football game, time on the links, and a good blues riff. He was well known for that nonstop creativity, wry sense of humor and his incredible memory. He was loved by family, friends and colleagues worldwide.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.