Greg Durell, designer for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games just sent me this email this morning. Very sad news.
Last Friday, Leo Obstbaum, the design director for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, passed away unexpectedly at his home. Leo’s design leadership and influence are evident throughout Vancouver 2010’s visual identity, including such iconic elements as the mascots, the Look of the Games, the torch designs, the yet to be unveiled Olympic and Paralympic medals and podium.
VANOC CEO John Furlong paid tribute to Leo in an internal message,
saying “Leo is everywhere you look, in every color, every texture, in
every little bit of Vancouver 2010. Leo led and influenced the design
of some of the most iconic pieces of the 2010 Winter Games. His spirit
and daring inspiration has touched absolutely everything and because
of him memories of the Games will live on for generations….a true
enduring legacy of what went on here in Vancouver.”Leo was a strong advocate for design excellence at these games and his
efforts will be strongly evident in February 2010. We will miss him
dearly.
— Shawn Parkinson said,
August 26, 2009 at 7:07 pm ∞
I feel so lucky and proud to have worked with him and be his friend on this wild ride. His passion for life and design are unmatched. We miss him dearly.
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— Xavier Encinas said,
August 26, 2009 at 7:10 pm ∞
I am so sad that I never took the time to have a coffee with him…
— David Crompton said,
August 27, 2009 at 5:51 pm ∞
This is far too young.
— dario meli said,
August 27, 2009 at 11:44 pm ∞
The service today was excellent. so many emotional tales of lessons, respect, and love for Leo. A true leader, visionary, teacher, and passionate man.
Leo was much more than Vancouver 2010 but his work there will truly immortalize him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
— Joe Clark said,
August 30, 2009 at 10:13 pm ∞
News reports used the euphemism “died suddenly,” which means “committed suicide.” The report cited here uses “died unexpectedly,” which is not a euphemism and means what it says.
Which is correct?
— Borja said,
October 27, 2009 at 3:37 pm ∞
so sad, no words….
An extraordinary man left…
so enthusiastic! so friendly!, why leo!!!!!?
just a word for him: INLEOLVIDABLE
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