Good afternoon,
The passing of Foster Freiss in Scottsdale, AZ at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend barely caused a ripple in Delaware.
After all, Freiss pretty much left the First State decades ago for Wyoming.
Freiss made a splash during his time in Delaware. The University of Wisconsin grad came to the First State to work for an investment company. Later, he joined his wife in founding Freiss Associates.
The small firm became a big deal in investment circles for decades with the stellar long-term performance of stock picks that powered the Brandywine Fund to billions of dollars in assets.
Freiss Associates continues to operate an office in Greenville. After selling holdings to an investment firm, Freiss Associates’ management took the firm private several years ago.
Foster Freiss was a larger-than-life character and the wide-open spaces, low taxes and spectacular scenery of Wyoming suited him well. He even took to wearing a cowboy hat.
Over the years, he became well known as a contributor to Republican and conservative causes, generating controversy along the way nationwide and even in Wyoming.
In the final chapter of his life, Freiss made an unsuccessful bid to gain the GOP nomination for governor of Wyoming.
The race generated headlines, but in the end, Wyoming, like Delaware, has a political establishment. Freiss’ considerable financial resources and an endorsement from then-President Donald Trump at the urging of son Don Jr. were no match for a current officeholder who knew his way around the state’s lonesome highways and small towns.
My one phone conversation with an energetic Freiss came in connection with his philanthropic activities in Delaware. We talked about his concern for the less fortunate. There were more than a few hints of his deep Christian faith.
One more recent area of interest was addressing the wave of school shootings via mentoring and providing role models to troubled young people. Freiss issued a financial challenge to match his contributions in his effort.
Over the years, his philanthropic activities focused on youth extended to Arizona, where he had a home, as well as Delaware, Wisconsin and Wyoming. He also funded clean water projects in Africa.
While Freiss loved Wyoming, there was a place in his heart for his Wisconsin hometown.
Public services are set for Sunday in Jackson Hole. A private burial will be on Monday in the small town of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.
