Harvey A. Friedman, visionary civic leader and entrepreneur, passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, November 28, 2010, age 90, surrounded by his family. Mr. Friedman was for more than 40 years a tireless advocate for care for the aging. It was his idea, and his persistence, that led Washington University in St. Louis to the founding of the Center for Aging. Crossing over disciplines in medicine, social work, fine arts and more, the Center has become an international leader in scientific research as well as efforts to enhance the lives of older Americans. In 2007,Washington University named it the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging to honor his efforts and leadership.

    He was Missouri’s representative to the first White House Conference on Aging. He also served as a member of the National Advisory Council on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, 1986-1989.

   His interest in the arts led him to create a unique program at the St. Louis Art Museum. To honor his wife, Dorismae Hacker Friedman, for fifteen years a docent who also served as a Trustee, he created the Dorismae Friedman Docent Enrichment Program bringing outstanding speakers to the Museum to work with the docents on their specialities. Speakers have included Chuck Close on his paintings and Princess Michael of Kent on porcelains.

   Taking on a huge challenge, Mr. Friedman served as the Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Sewer District, Missouri’s largest political subdivision. It faced a federal takeover and daily fines for being out of compliance with environmental protections. Under his leadership, a $432,000,000 surcharge to update the system to meet clean water standards was approved by voters; it was the largest amount ever raised by a MO political subdivision. The contentious issue was settled by Mr. Friedman’s selfless leadership, “We made two sides one, “ he said.

   His public service also included his work as financial vice-president of the Missouri History Museum. It was in danger of closing and losing the Charles Lindbergh trophies. From 1983-1989, he negotiated help from St. Louis and worked to have the museum become part of the special Zoo-Museum district.

   His concerns included children and families. In honor of his parents, he and Mrs. Friedman created a fund to send needy St. Louis children to camp. He was co-founder of the Laws of Life Essay Program, Collier County, FL, a member of the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. He served as a Trustee of Lindenwood College, St. Charles, MO. He quietly sponsored children overseas. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Salvation Army, Midland Division.

    This long narration is in fact only a short version of Mr. Harvey A. Friedman’s accomplishments. He began his working life at age 14 and never stopped. He faced hardships and physical challenges. His was a life of  hard work, generosity, and dedication to public service. The only cliche that can be written about him: he was ahead of his time. Innovative, creative, determined; he said, “I never did get a kick out of following somebody else.”

   He has left us with the feeling that a great hole has been left in the world, and we miss his energy and his smile.