IN MEMORY OF RICHARD (DICK) GILDER, A FOUNDING FATHER OF THE CLUB FOR GROWTH

Club for Growth President David McIntosh issued the following statement to honor the life of Club for Growth co-founder Richard Gilder.

Richard Gilder, with Dusty Rhodes, founded the New York Club for Growth which became the national Club for Growth in 1999. Gilder went on to serve as Club for Growth’s Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman Emeritus.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dick Gilder, a man of immense optimism, generosity, and intellect who made a positive impact on millions of people, many of whom he never met,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh. “Beyond his many accomplishments in business and philanthropy, he was a co-founder of the Club for Growth and was a major force behind the leaders and policies that make our country the land of opportunity.”

Gilder dedicated his life to expanding economic freedom. He was instrumental in making free market economics a core tenant of the Republican Party. Gilder wisely understood the importance of holding conservatives accountable so we don’t end up with big government policies that encroach on Americans’ freedom. It is that philosophy that still guides the Club for Growth today.

Gilder was also an avid student of American history, supporting causes like the New-York Historical Society and the Museum of Natural History. His collection of more than 70,000 original documents and letters have helped bring American history to life.

Gilder was a great American, a kind soul, and a true lover of liberty. He will be dearly missed.