Lindner leaves behind lasting legacy

Carl Lindner, Jr. was a local legend who made an impact across the Tri-State and the nation.

After his passing on Monday evening , many different individuals and organizations released statements about Lindner’s lasting legacy and how his achievements have helped shape Cincinnati.

Here are some of the statements released about Lindner:

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory:

"Carl Lindner has left a tremendous mark on our region. He understood the impact that his money could have on people and causes in our community, and he took his ability to make positive change seriously. But, he also did a lot of things that he never even took credit for. His legacy will be felt for a long time. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. Cincinnati mourns a truly great Cincinnatian."

Congressman John Boehner:

"Carl Lindner was a good friend, an entrepreneur and job creator who truly loved Cincinnati. Never a man to turn down a worthy cause, Carl's generosity touched countless lives. My thoughts and prayers are with Carl’s wife Edyth, his sons Carl, Craig, Keith, and all the Lindner family during this very sad time."

Chaquita CEO Fernando Aguirre:

"Carl Lindner, Jr. was a great leader, innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He measured success by improving the lives and opportunities of others. We were all honored to learn from his example of community involvement with heartfelt generosity and little care for recognition. His legacy exemplifies the American Dream of what an individual can achieve and contribute to their community through a lifetime of innovation. Our community has lost a great leader but his example endures. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Edyth, and all their family and thank them for sharing him with us."

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Head of School, Randy Brunk:

"Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy mourns the loss of a great friend and yet we celebrate along with all of Cincinnati his lifelong impact on our city. CHCA has been overwhelmingly blessed by Mr. Lindner from our beginnings in 1989 to today. He has left an incredible legacy of generosity, strong faith and commitment to family that is truly an inspiration to us all. Mr. Lindner not only invested financially in CHCA, he invested personally – from day one he was interested in how our students, teachers and graduates were doing, and continued to support our school in a myriad of ways. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy lives on in the generations of students who will continue to live out the CHCA mission for many years to come."

Norwood Mayor Thomas Williams:

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Lindner. On behalf of myself and my family, and the City of Norwood, I would like to offer my sincere heartfelt condolences to Mr. Lindner's family and close associates. Mr. Lindner was a kind man and we shared our love for the City of Norwood. I could relate many stories of meetings and conversations that I had with Mr. Lindner but one memorable situation, that I personally witnessed, tells the whole story. On a sunny afternoon while standing in the entrance to Water Works Park, a nine year old girl came up to Mr. Lindner, took his hand and thanked him for computers that he had sent to their school. It was a touching moment and I believe it deeply affected Mr. Lindner. That is exactly why he did what he did for kids. Goodbye Mr. Lindner, I will sorely miss you as a friend."

Former Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican party, Michael Allen:

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Lindner's passing. He was truly a good and generous man. He was your friend in good times and bad. He did so many things for this community, most of which he did without fanfare or recognition. He will be truly missed."

Cincinnati Mason, Dr. Steven Reece, Sr.:

"Yesterday, I lost a mentor, friend, and Masonic brother, Mr. Carl Lindner, Jr. Carl has been a business advisor and supporter over the years but more importantly he was my Masonic brother who made history with me when he and I (against great historical odds) brought together the Black and the White Masons as brothers. The moment was so historic that we're featured on a video interview in the Local Hereos Section in the Underground Railroad Freedom Center (one of few video interviews of Carl). Cincinnati has suffered a major loss today but I have suffered the loss of my brother! My prayers go out to the entire Lindner Family."