Obituaries

From his first job delivering newspapers at 5 years old to becoming a giant in the advertising world, Morley David Gould was an innovator, a leader and a formidable businessman. He knew what he wanted in business and in life and pursued both with passion.

After graduating from the University of Southern California, where he received a degree in Advertising & Marketing, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard as a reserve at Fort Ord, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

The Los Angeles native then went on to co-found Asher/Gould Advertising, one of the most successful, independently-owned advertising agencies on the West Coast.  As the self-proclaimed “original Mad Man”, Morley was Chairman of the Board & CEO for 33 years and was instrumental in securing countless lucrative contracts and awards throughout his illustrious career.

A 1986 Adweek interview recounted: “At the end of his first day on his first job, Morley Gould was so frustrated that he cried . . . He has never since spilled tears over matters pertaining to business.” Long after his first day delivering newspapers, where he was distraught when he realized that he was ten cents short and a close friend lent him the difference, throughout his life, Morley paid forward that generosity by giving back to his community, including by being heavily involved with City of Hope, Vista Del Mar, the Jewish Federation and several other community organizations.

Above all, there was nothing he was prouder of than his family. Morley leaves behind four children: Jeffrey, Jennifer, Ryan and Nicole. All of whom will honor his legacy by living life to the fullest and holding dear his treasured words of wisdom.

“You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.”  – Morley Gould