By Alex Chafuen
Sir John Marks Templeton passed away this morning, July 8, 2008. He was born on November 29, 1912 in Winchester, Tennessee. His generosity played a key role in the development of the Atlas Economic Research Foundation. His friendship and knowledge of Antony Fisher’s work prompted him to recommend Antony, Atlas founder, for Knighthood. In spirit and in practice, Sir John and his team helped Atlas rise to a higher level of performance. As so many people were touched by his gifts many will be writing obituaries highlighting his major accomplishments.  We will post links to obituaries appearing in newspapers. I wrote a personal obituary based on my recollections of the precious moments that I spent with him [to be posted shortly]. I also had the privilege of spending quality time with his son, Dr. Jack Templeton, and several members of his family. Jack is also uniquely endowed to push Sir John’s vision forward. As gentle and firm believers in the creative powers of free enterprise, the younger generations of his family will also join all those of us who work to improve the understanding of material and spiritual reality.
The entire Atlas family wishes the Templeton family strength in this moment of sadness but also of greatness. Sir John had earned his place in history through his leadership in pioneering international wealth creation; he gained another place in history by devoting all his talents to his innovative philanthropic efforts; he has now earned eternal recognition and special place in the abode of the all generous Creator. Sir John’s major goal in life was to increase our understanding of the Divine. He can now rest in peace contemplating the Truth which he searched so tirelessly for. Those who stay behind will continue this search and his mission.
In Memory of of Sir John Templeton
- By Alex Chafuen President & CEO of Atlas Economic Research Foundation - Personal Reflections.
- By Alberto Mingardi of Istituto Bruno Leoni (Italy), a 2004 Templeton Freedom Award winner.
- By Margaret Tse of Instituto Liberdade (Brazil), a 2006 Templeton Freedom Award winner.
- By Remigijus Šimašius of Lithuanian Free Market Foundation (Lithuania), a 2004 Templeton Freedom Award winner.
- By Father Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty (USA), a Templeton Freedom Prize winner in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
- By Gergana Jouleva of Access to Information Programme (Bulgaria), a Templeton Freedom Prize winner in 2005
- By Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI (Ghana), a Templeton Freedom Award winner in 2006
- By Jerry Bowyer of National Online Review
- The John Templeton Foundation
- The Herald Tribune
- The Financial Times
- The New York Times
- The Telegraph
- The National Review
- Scientific American
July 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Even though I never had the opportunity to meet Sir John in person, I felt his generosity for a trully liberating society as a result of the Templeton Freedom Awards instituted through Atlas. For us on the fringes of political and economic freeedom, Sir John’s philathrophy for excellent engagement with establishment norms offered a ray of hope that one day, one day, our leaders will see wisdom in adopting transparent and sensible policies for total advancement of the African continent.
Sir John’s passing should motivate others to emulate his penchant for an inquiry into the way things are are, be they economic, religious or scientific.
May Heaven offer Sir John a befitting resting place until the time, we all meet in paradise.
Fare thee well.