In Memoriam: Richard Trimble

Richard Trimble, the second-generation president of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s A.G. Trimble (UPIC: AGTCO) and creator of the “I Like Ike” campaign button, passed away in November. He was 91.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Trimble joined the family business in 1946. The company, started by his father, A.G. Trimble, in 1913 had established itself in political advertising beginning with the Harding-Coolidge campaign in 1920. In 1948, the company was approached to create a campaign button for Dwight D. Eisenhower. Their client, a Pittsburgh newspaper man, wanted the company’s help in creating a slogan saying, “I can’t come up with a slogan, but I sure do like Ike.” A.G. replied, “There’s your slogan!” and Trimble designed the buttons. While four years too early—Eisenhower was elected president in 1952—the “I Like Ike” buttons became one of the most popular pieces of political advertising in U.S. history.

Trimble became sole owner of the company in 1972 when his father retired. While political buttons remained a part of the business, he grew its promotional products offerings as well. His son, Rick, joined the company in 1982 and took over ownership when Trimble retired in the early 1990s.

Trimble is survived by his second wife, Wilma; son, Rick; daughters Sandra Kuska and Mary Sue O’Brien; stepdaughter Ginnie Baier; and brothers Malcolm and Arthur.