Ari would’ve written a better headline for this.

The ad community lost a legend and friend this past weekend. If you knew or worked with Ari, you knew what a one-of-a-kind human, creative and partner he was. Ari did not fit any kind of mold in the advertising business and that’s just one of the many things we loved about him.

Ari was passionate about making great work. And he was none too happy when that great work did not go quite his way. We loved that Ari would find a cause, then go all in on it. We loved the unique, observational way he looked at the world. Craft mattered to Ari. Good work mattered to Ari. Making a difference through his work mattered. That’s not always easy to find in this business. Ari’s heart was in it every time. And while Ari may have come off to some as a fortress of steel, those who knew him knew that heart was made of honey. We could all use a little more of Ari.

If you needed big ideas, you went to Ari.

If you needed great headlines, you went to Ari.

If you needed a funny script, you went to Ari.

If you needed an insight that no one else saw, you went to Ari.

If you needed a good poke bowl, you went to Ari.

If you needed a laugh, you went to Ari.

If you needed a friend, you went to Ari.

Ari would be thrilled that we wrote this GoFundMe website copy in a Google doc, but he’d be even more thrilled if the ad community came together to support his family during this tragic time. The only thing Ari loved more than writing a great ad was his family. Because Ari was a family man. He adored his wife Maggie. He lived for his son Emerson. It’s time to help his family in any way we can right now. For all that Ari gave us, the ideas, the work, the camaraderie, the friendship, let’s give back. From future education to current expenses, we’re raising as much as we can to support the Levi family. Please share this with anyone who knew, loved, and had the pleasure of rubbing up against Ari’s very hairy, very legendary shoulders.