Statements on Passing of AAN Founder Fred Malek
“For more than half a century Fred Malek contributed to making America a shining beacon of democracy throughout the world. A man moved by conscience to act on behalf of his fellow man, Fred stood, time and time again, for the values our Founding Fathers envisioned when they created the nation he loved more than life itself. Fred exemplified the best in leadership. A fearless warrior in life and in politics, Fred never walked away from a fight that needed to be fought. Be it the battle for the promise of America or the future of the Republican Party, Fred Malek put himself on the front lines and made sure his words and deeds mattered for future generations. The founder of the American Action Network, Fred never wavered in his belief that our mission was to forge a path for a better America,” said AAN Chairman Norm Coleman.
Coleman continued, “An entrepreneur, a political activist, a philanthropist, a husband, a father and a grandfather will all be words to describe Fred in the days ahead. So many words may be used to describe the life that Fred lived in this nation he loved so much. For me, I will add that Fred was my mentor, my advocate, my partner and, above all else, my friend. I will miss my friend for all the days of my life.”
“The American Action Network family is profoundly saddened to lose a true friend and visionary today,” said AAN President Dan Conston. “Fred touched the lives of countless Americans, always driven by his love of country and boundless energy. We owe Fred a debt of gratitude and send Marlene and the entire Malek family our deepest sympathies. We will do our best to honor Fred’s vision and live out the dedication he showed for improving our country. May his memory be a blessing.”