Brian Edward Williams, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose impact spanned family, business, and community, passed away on April 5, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He was 75.
Known for his humility, warmth, and unwavering optimism, Brian lived with a quiet strength and a deep belief in the goodness of others. He was the kind of man who made people feel seen, valued, and supported, whether in a boardroom, on a tennis court, or around a family table.
Born July 31, 1950, in Gary, Indiana, to Dr. Hugh J. Williams and Lillian Isabel Williams, Brian was raised in North Oaks, Minnesota, where he developed a lifelong passion for sports and competition. A gifted and driven athlete, he excelled in tennis and ice hockey, though he remained characteristically modest about his achievements.
He attended Mounds View High School before continuing to Dartmouth College, where he was recruited to play both ice hockey and tennis. Competing in singles and doubles, he won the Eastern Doubles Championship and served as co-captain of the team. During his time at Dartmouth, he was also a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. He later earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Brian began his professional career in 1975 at Leo Burnett in Chicago, where his ability to connect with people and his strong business instincts quickly set him apart. Working on major accounts, including Procter & Gamble and Kraft, he built both a reputation for excellence and a circle of colleagues who became lifelong friends. It was also there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Bruck, whom he affectionately called “Barbie.”
Over the course of 23 years at Leo Burnett, Brian rose to Executive Vice President of the Chicago office before being named President of Foote, Cone & Belding in 1998. In 2001, he founded Element 79, naming the agency after gold on the periodic table to reflect his belief in the golden rule. Under his leadership, Element 79 became one of the industry’s most respected agencies, known not only for its creative success but for its people-first culture and spirit.
Brian’s influence extended beyond advertising. He served on several boards, including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and CDW, earning respect for his integrity, leadership, and belief that meaningful work should also be enjoyable.
At heart, Brian was an entrepreneur. Alongside Barbara, he co-founded Oil Oasis, an innovative mobile oil-changing business. He also invested in ventures that brought him joy, including ownership stakes in minor league baseball teams such as the Lansing Lugnuts and the Montgomery Biscuits. In later years, he and his family spent time between Winnetka, Punta Mita, and Kiawah Island, building communities and friendships wherever they went.
Family remained at the center of Brian’s life. A proud father of three daughters, he was a constant source of encouragement, whether cheering from the sidelines or offering thoughtful advice. As a husband, he was steady, present, and deeply committed to the life he built with Barbara. As “Papa Thor,” he brought that same love and enthusiasm to his grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy.
Brian will be remembered for his sharp wit, loyalty, authenticity, and for prioritizing people above all else. He championed others, supported the underdog, and built relationships that stood the test of time.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bruck Williams; his daughters, Kellar, Ryan (Jack), and Cameron (Mike); his brother, Dr. Hugh J. Williams Jr.; and his grandchildren, Williams, Carter, Beckett, John, and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Rogstad.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Skokie Country Club. In keeping with Brian’s spirit, guests are encouraged to dress in vibrant, expressive attire. Black is discouraged, and while style is encouraged, jeans are not.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Erika’s Lighthouse, a cause close to their hearts: http://erikaslighthouse.org/donate
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