Oregon Icon Gerry Frank Passes Away At 98
PORTLAND, Ore. — Gerry Frank, an Oregon icon, passed away on Sunday at the age of 98.
Frank went to Ainsworth Grammar School and Lincoln High School in Portland. His next stop was Stanford University before he enlisted in the Army in 1943 and served in WWII. He received a Bachelor’s degree and Masters degree in Economic Politics from Cambridge. In 1952, he became the store manager for his family-owned business, the retail store Meier & Frank and was General Manager of the Salem store until 1965 when the business was sold to the May Company.
Gerry Frank’s political life included serving with his good friend Mark Hatfield. He was Chairman of the Oregon Economic Development Commission while Hatfield was Governor and became Chief of Staff when Hatfield became a U.S. Senator. Frank wrote books including “Gerry Frank’s Oregon”. He was a commentator for KPTV and KATU television. He loved chocolate so much he opened a bakery and restaurant in Salem called the Konditorei and judged the chocolate cake contest at the Oregon State Fair for 60 years.
Frank was also very generous. He spent time working with non-profits and helped raisd millions of dollars for a number of organizations including Junior Achievement, the Portland Rose Festival and Salem YMCA.
Tributes To Gerry Frank
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Frank. It is hard to overstate his contributions, through decades of service, to Salem and to Oregon. My heart is with his family and many friends today. Read my full statement: https://t.co/yR6nexr7JV pic.twitter.com/NpprfAQDtR
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) March 13, 2022
Oregon is a better place because of Gerry Frank, an iconic and celebrated friend whose legacy leaves an indelible mark on our community. https://t.co/SiK5b0ljIO
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) March 14, 2022
Gerry Frank lived the #OregonWay with every fiber of his being. Every single day, he cared deeply about making Oregon a better place. My friend was the definitive Oregonian. He leaves us with sadness at his passing but also gratitude for his timeless legacy of public service. https://t.co/40FHPMjrU1
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) March 13, 2022
“Today politicians talk about working both sides of the political aisle. Gerry Frank never had to work at it. He came by it naturally. He understood that everybody wants to be seen and heard.” Click to read Betsy’s full statement: https://t.co/CyPe6xJKlL pic.twitter.com/SCVbTakTah
— Betsy Johnson (@senbetsyjohnson) March 13, 2022
