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Fred Malek
The Directors of American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR) mourn the passing of our esteemed friend and Chairman Fred Malek, who went to his eternal rest on Sunday, March 24, 2019. A native of Berwyn, Illinois, Fred was one of the most influential and successful Americans of Czech descent. He made outstanding contributions to the bonds between the Czech Republic and the United States, to freedom and democracy for the Czech people, and to civic life in his American homeland. His long and varied career included military service, business, investments, philan-thropy, public service, politics, and non-profit leadership, for which he received numerous awards.
As of his passing, he was Founder and Chairman of Thayer Lodging. Previously in his business career he was President and CEO of Marriott Hotels and Northwest Airlines, as well as Co-Chairman of CBRE. As a partner with former President George W. Bush, he co-owned the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. As a philanthropist, he was Chairman of the Board of Visitors of West Point, Founder and Director of the American Action Network, Founder and Chairman of the American Action Forum, and Chairman of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, as well as a Director of the Aspen Institute and the American-Israel Friendship League.
Named after him and his wife, Marlene, are the Frederic Malek West Point Visitors Center and the Marlene and Fred Malek School of Health Professions at Marymount University. As AFoCR's Chairman, Fred raised the funds to build the Woodrow Wilson Monument in Prague and led the rebuilding of the Sokol gymnasium in the town of West, Texas, after a disastrous industrial explosion in 2013.
His awards included the 2014 Distinguished Graduate award from West Point as well as the ADL Achievement Award from the Anti-Defamation League.
In addition to his business career, Fred served as an advisor to four U.S. Presidents. He appeared frequently on television news shows including Fox News, Meet the Press, Fox Sunday, and Face the Nation.
A graduate of West Point and the Harvard Business School, he served in Vietnam as an Army airborne ranger with a special forces team. In addition to his wife, he leaves two children, Michelle Olson and Fred Malek, Jr., and five grandchildren. Besides family, his passions included biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
His passing is a huge loss to AFoCR, but his legacy will live on in our shared memories. From the time in 2000 when he became our Chairman, Fred never wavered in his support and valued leadership, as he lived his Czech heritage for the good of all Czechs here and abroad. We are grateful for all the wisdom and generosity he shared.
Fred will be missed by his AFoCR colleagues, and our condolences go out to his family and his many other dear friends and colleagues. A great leader, mentor, and friend who walked with all and led many. May he rest in peace.
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To the Malek family, It is with heavy heart that I pay my respect and condolences for the loss of Fred.
Mark Elawadi
April 2, 2019
a loved one
April 1, 2019
Dear Marlene, Frederick and Michelle, I am so very sad and sorry to hear of the loss of my wonderful cousin Fred. He was a truly remarkable person, and very kind to my family and me. I am so appreciative for all he did for us and will always be so grateful to him. May God Bless him and your family always. Love, Carolyn
Carolyn Durocher
April 1, 2019
a loved one
April 1, 2019
You have my deepest sympathy. May God give you peace and strength to keep you going during your time of sorrow.
Romans 15:33
March 30, 2019
audrey shebby
March 30, 2019
Am so sorry to hear that my wonderful cousin has left us. My memories of him always have and always will make me smile. A kind heart and soul, he was a special man. We send our love to you and the family. Will always be there for you. Prayers and love.
Tyke and Alfredo (Smicklas) Caravelli
March 29, 2019
My sincere condolences go to the family. Deuteronomy 32:7 tells us to Remember the days of old. May special memories of moments spent together bring you comfort as you cope with his loss and may you receive much love and support.
March 29, 2019
Dear Marlene, Frederick and Michelle,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Fred's passing. Our hearts ache. He was an incredible man gone to soon who will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. We pray for your strength to overcome this terrible tragedy. Our family sends their love and prayers of comfort to you and yours.
Always yours,
Mary Ellen, Joseph and Ava Sands
March 29, 2019
We have lost another great American. May Fred rest in peace.
Kathryn Malek
March 28, 2019
Marlene, You and your family have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May God give you the needed strength to endure, during this very trying time. We will carry you in our heart, thoughts and prayers. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Uly & Lula
March 28, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The promise at John 6:40 gives us hope to see our loved ones again. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences goes out to your family and friend.
March 28, 2019
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