Emerich Soos RGD Emeritus: A legacy in design
Remembrance by Andrea Soos
Emerich Soos RGD Emeritus, an accomplished Member of the design community is remembered as a man of many talents.
Born in Murska Sobota, Hungary, Emerich emigrated to Canada with his family at age 12 during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 to start a new life in Hamilton, Ontario. After completing his art and design studies at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in 1963, Emerich started his graphic design career working at several prominent agencies in Hamilton including as Junior Art Director at Russell T. Kelley Advertising Co. Ltd., Art Director at Shuman & Samuel Co. Ltd. and Creative Director at Michael Thompson Advertising Ltd. He founded Soos Communications Ltd. in 1977 and then Cooper, Spearing & Stone Advertising in 1979.
As President & CEO of Cooper, Spearing & Stone Advertising for over 30 years, Emerich was the consummate professional who had a passion for all things creative. From the quality of the agency’s creative output to the well-appointed offices he designed, his artistic sensibility helped provide a creative environment for staff and clients alike, fostering a sense of pride and inspiration.
“Emerich’s artistic conscience would never settle for “good enough”, and his care and attention to each project went above and beyond. It was a reflection of who he was, not only as a business owner, but as a person.”
Chris Asimoudis RGD
Emerich promoted his full-service advertising, marketing and communications agency in Hamilton as "lean and mean" and won countless Advertising Creative Excellence awards for many of his Toronto-based clients including the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario, Philips Electronics, Sunworthy Wallcoverings, Autodesk and the Purchasing Management Association of Canada. It wasn’t unusual for Emerich to drive to Toronto, sometimes twice a day to service an account or meet a printing deadline in the pre-digital age. His enthusiasm and energy for his work was boundless.
Emerich was a Member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada from 1981 to 1996, then a Member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers from 1997 to 2007. He had been RGD Emeritus since 2008.
One of Emerich’s greatest professional accomplishments was serving on the Board of directors of the RGD as Vice President in 1999 and Director from 2000 to 2002. He was particularly proud of his involvement in helping to establish graphic design as an accredited profession in Canada, and sponsored the RGD's Student Awards for several years on his company’s behalf during his tenure.
“I had the privilege of working with Emerich during my tenure as President of the RGD, where he played an instrumental role in advancing major initiatives for the Association. He will be fondly remembered for his collaborative nature and for always sharing positive perspectives on the many challenges we faced. He was also deeply committed to elevating the design profession and was instrumental in the RGD’s efforts to achieve recognition for graphic design as an accredited profession. His legacy lives on in the creative community he helped shape and inspire.”
Jean-Pierre Lacroix RGD
“I remember Emerich well. In the years the RGD was first operating it was really helpful having someone with Emerich’s business background on the Board. As well as being a designer, it was clear that Emerich was very much an advertising man. I remember phone calls I had with him before and after Board meetings. He was very interested and knowledgeable in promotion, advertising, marketing communication and research.
At Board meetings we were looking at ways to grow the new association and often discussed how we could attract more people in our industry to become Members. Along with others at the meetings back then, I felt Emerich added a
truly helpful and well-informed element to the Board’s discussions re how we could grow the Membership.”
Rod Nash RGD Emeritus
He was also recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements in “Who’s Who in Canada” in 2000, 2001 and 2004 and “Who’s Who in Canadian Business” in 2001 and 2004—both annual publications which highlight prominent leaders from various industries who have made significant contributions to the country.
Emerich began drawing as soon as he could hold a pencil, and his imagination and creativity extended beyond his professional life. He designed his dream home, and filled it with many of his paintings and other works of art. He had a lifelong love affair with the “pleasing lines” of classic cars and auto racing and spent endless hours restoring his sports cars and taking them out on the open road. Furthermore, he treasured friendships made through his car clubs and walking, golf and cribbage groups. Equally creative in the kitchen, Emerich enjoyed sharing his Hungarian culture through cooking delicious meals for his family and friends. He was rarely idle and a walking encyclopedia about all things, especially history and politics.
“As a dedicated supporter of professional accreditation, Emerich regularly attended the RGD Board meetings, travelling from Hamilton to Toronto. This quiet and modest gentleman held his profession in high regard, taking pride in the recognition and status that comes with being a registered designer. Beyond his expertise as a professional designer, he was also an accomplished artist and had a passion for vintage vehicles. I highly respect him for his commitment and character.”
Albert NG
In his retirement, he enjoyed reading the RGD newsletters and keeping up-to-date on the association and developments in graphic design.
Throughout his life, he often remarked how everything around us is a product of design, from our shoes to our vehicles to our kitchen utensils. He was grateful that design had afforded him an engaging career and a lifelong appreciation of how things were made, especially when they were conceptualized, constructed and rendered well.
During his last days, Emerich enjoyed drawing nature and wildlife around his home and sketching portraits of his family, always squinting his eye to get it just right.
He is dearly missed by Marion, his wife of 56 years, his daughters Andrea and Elisha, son-in-law Michael and his grandsons Evan and Elliot. The eternal optimist, Emerich will be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his stamina, generosity and “glass half full” outlook which guided all aspects of his full life.
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