GRAND RAPIDS, MI — David Frey, a philanthropist and retired banking executive who cared deeply about Grand Rapids and helped raise money and build partnerships to open Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and other landmark projects in the community, has died.
He was 81.
Frey, who is survived by his wife, Judy, and six children, died Wednesday, June 14, according to an obituary posted on the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service website.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of David Frey,” said Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “David embodied all of the values of true leadership. He always believed Grand Rapids could be the best city in the country and took action to make it a reality.”
Frey, who lived in East Grand Rapids, earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, and later succeeded his father, Edward J. Frey, as president of Union Bank & Trust Company in Grand Rapids. Frey’s grandfather, John, founded Union Bank & Trust in 1918.
Frey was remembered for his passion for Grand Rapids.
During his life, Frey served on various boards, including that of the Frey Foundation, which was established by his father.
He was also, along with Dick DeVos and late Old Kent Bank President John Canepa, one of the founding chairs of Grand Action. The private economic development group formed in 1993, and it helped spur public-private partnerships that brought to life projects such as Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Secchia Center and the Downtown Market.
“I believe we’ve lost our city’s biggest cheerleader,” said Jon Nunn, the former executive director of Grand Action who worked alongside Frey for three decades.
Related: Philanthropist David Frey honored as ‘visionary’ leader by Grand Action 2.0
Nunn remembered Frey as an “optimist” who believed that Grand Rapids, through public-private partnerships and philanthropy, could become the “best mid-sized city in the United States.”
“He was not only the optimist, but he got things done along with the rest of Grand Action,” he said. “He was never a negative guy at all. He truly loved this community.”
A private funeral service will be held at Graceland Memorial Park & Mausoleum, according to his obit. On June 28, a celebration highlighting his life and a reception will be held at Kent Country Club, 1600 College Avenue NW.
Following his service in the military, where he was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal, Frey joined Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. in New York City in 1971. He then went to work at Union Bank & Trust, and served as its chairmen through a merger with NBD-West Michigan through 1998. After NBD merged with Bank One, he became chairmen of Bank One-West Michigan.
Even after retiring, Frey stayed active in philanthropy. He helped launch a second iteration of Grand Action, Grand Action 2.0, in 2020 following Canepa’s death.
“It was his passion,” Nunn said, describing Frey’s community engagement through the years. “David loved this city.”
Grand Action 2.0, which is co-chaired by Dick DeVos, Carol Van Andel and Fifth Third Bank Regional President Tom Welch, is leading the charge to build a 12,000-capacity riverfront amphitheater on the southern edge of downtown Grand Rapids at 201 Market Ave. SW.
Frey was vice chair when Grand Action 2.0 launched.
Late last month, he stepped away from regular engagement with Grand Action 2.0, and retired as vice chair. In a private gathering with family and colleagues, he was named chairman emeritus of Grand Action 2.0 in honor of his decades of community service.
In a statement at the time, DeVos called him a “visionary, wise counselor and guiding hand in transforming our community.”
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.
More on MLive:
James Beard Award winning-chef launches farm-to-table inspired pizza, pasta restaurant
Gotion’s $2.4B battery plant moves forward after federal review
8 Michigan islands where you can camp overnight
Credit:Source link
