The following is a statement by Stephanie Meeks, president and chief executive officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, on the passing of Richard Jenrette. Mr. Jenrette was a longtime friend, Trustee and supporter of the National Trust, as well as the first Chair of the National Trust Council.

“The entire National Trust family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Dick Jenrette. While his many achievements and legendary accomplishments on Wall Street are well known, Dick also devoted his time, effort, and energy to become one of our nation’s leading historic preservationists.

“Dick’s enthusiasm for saving places was truly remarkable. A long-time member of the National Trust’s Board of Trustees, Dick also lent his considerable energy to a host of other preservation organizations, including the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to which he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter, the Historic Charleston Foundation, and Historic Hudson Valley, among many others. As those who knew him can attest, Dick’s generosity and tireless passion for saving historic places were essential to the success of the many organizations he touched.

“As he related in his book, Adventures with Old Houses, Dick was also a hands-on practitioner of preservation, who personally and lovingly oversaw the careful restoration and furnishing of some of America’s preeminent estates and homes. From Edgewater in Barrytown, New York to the George Baker House in New York City to the Roper House and Millford Plantation in South Carolina, Dick leaves behind a stunning legacy of successfully completed preservation projects that will endure for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

“Dick’s innumerable contributions to our field led the National Trust to award him the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award—historic preservation’s highest honor—in 1996. His impact on the field of preservation also once led His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to note, in a foreword to Dick’s book: “No wonder some of his admirers have described Dick as a one-person National Trust for Historic Preservation.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to Dick’s family and friends, and to the communities all across America, from Charleston to New York City, where he made a difference.”