On Monday, November 17, 2014 at his home in McLean, VA with his family by his side, Bill Frenzel, former Bretton Woods Committee Co-Chair, passed away. He was 86.

For nearly two decades, Bill served dutifully as Bretton Woods Committee Co-Chair. He was the Committee’s authority on all trade and congressional issues, after having served 10 terms in the U.S. Congress as a leading party spokesman on trade and federal spending issues. Bill epitomized the spirit of bipartisanship that is representative of the Bretton Woods Committee, commanding respect from not only all those who knew him, but knew of him, because of his great character, thoughtfulness and deep-seated integrity.

Bill was a rare gem of a human being that many of us were very simply lucky to have known. Within Bretton Woods Committee circles, Bill was known for his folksy style, generous spirit, good humor, and wisdom. Besides being a great spokesman on behalf of the Committee’s mission, he was a mentor and good friend to many of us. Those who came across him felt his kindness in every interaction, and appreciated his genuine approachability. Those who knew Bill always felt honored to be with him, attracted to his strong value set and how he carried himself – simply, and with a visible mix of warmth, humility, respect for others, and love for his friends and especially his family.

Bill was also a master “doodler!” He left the Committee several of his masterpieces over the years, drawn during roundtables and annual meetings. His works of art still dot the walls of many in Congress.

As a U.S. Representative (R-MN), Bill served as the top Republican on the House Budget panel and on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy and taxation. After retiring from Congress in 1991, He continued to impact policy from other perches. Working as a special adviser to Democratic President Bill Clinton, Bill convinced members of his own party to help pass the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in the 1990s. President George W. Bush tapped Bill for the Social Security Commission and the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. He was also a guest scholar at the Brookings Institution, Chair of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CFRB), and an alternate member of the House of Representatives Office of Congressional Ethics.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ruthy, and three daughters and two grandchildren. We extend our best wishes to his family – he will be sorely missed by all.