Donald R. Keough: 1926-2015
Donald R. Keough, one of the giant figures in the history of a company that has had many larger-than-life characters, died early Tuesday at the age of 88.
Keough served as president of
We took a look back at some of the major moments in Keough’s life, from his early days on television in Omaha to his later role as influential philanthropist.
Omaha Days
Keough was born Sept. 4, 1926, in Maurice, Iowa, and grew up in Sioux City. After two years in the Navy during World War II, he returned to the Midwest to attend college at Creighton University in Omaha. After graduation, he started a career as a talk-show host on television in Omaha. He had a TV show called “The Coffee Counter.” It was followed by a program featuring another newcomer: An entertainer named Johnny Carson, who would become more than a little famous. Keough grew tired of the TV business, though, and in 1950 took a job with Paxton & Gallagher, which made Butter-Nut Coffee, a sponsor of his show. From then on, Keough never worked for a different company ever again – Butter-Nut was acquired by Duncan Foods, which was purchased by
Keough and Goizueta
Keough rose through the ranks at
Keough added, “I’ve never been anywhere that’s perfect. I’ve never seen a market or a store or a presentation that couldn’t be improved.” Keough stayed involved with the company post-retirement, and returned to a formal role on the board of directors in 2004. He also held many other leadership roles in business, including as chairman of the board of Allen & Company, a New York investment banking firm. He joined Allen & Company the day after he retired from The
Keough Intensity
Keough was famous for his warm speaking style, his ability to connect with audiences – and for his toughness. Some called it the “Irish wind.” One journalist described him as having a “jet engine voice.” Keough said he was “absolutely intolerant” of mediocrity or a lack of ideas.
“I have always believed that most humans operate at about 10 percent of our true capacity,” he said. “So with my close associates I’ve tried to turn up the dial on that to about 95 percent.”
New Coke
"Some critics will say
Notre Dame
Keough had a very close relationship with the University of Notre Dame. Five of his six children went to Notre Dame. Keough received an honorary degree from the school in 1985, followed by the university’s highest honor, the Laetare Medal, in 1993. His wife, Marilyn “Mickie” Keough, received a Notre Dame honorary degree in 1998. In 2014, Notre Dame announced it would create the first new college or school at the university in nearly a century: the Donald R. Keough School of Global Affairs. The establishment of the school, along with the construction of Jenkins Hall to house it, was made possible by gifts totaling $50 million from the Keoughs. Notre Dame said the Keoughs rank among the most generous benefactors in university history. Construction of Jenkins Hall is expected to begin soon.
Leadership Academy
When Keough retired from
At the kickoff of the academy,
Click the graphic below for a full-screen photo gallery honoring Keough's life, career and impact:
Watch a video tribute here:
