Some intellectual forces of nature are dreadful bores and terrible dinner companions. Linda Whetstone was exactly the opposite. She personified fun, and her mischievous sense of humor could bring down the house. She made us better, too. She was the brightest star at every event, and was dancing during her Mont Pelerin Society conference at Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) in Guatemala last month like she hadn’t a care in the world. That image and her immeasurable impact will live in our hearts forever. 

She extended us more kindness and warm hospitality than we ever deserved. She invited and delighted in thoughtful conversations and shared her considerable opinions freely, which we enjoyed endlessly. Her intrepid and accomplished father—Sir Antony Fisher—served as the Johnny Appleseed of free-market think tanks, and his generosity ultimately helped to found The Buckeye Institute in 1989 through his efforts alongside and through Atlas Network. We can never repay that debt. 

We are grateful from head to toe for the courageous and engaging spirit Linda and her father possessed. Requiescat in pace, our dear spunky and relentless friend. It was the honor of a lifetime knowing you and counting you among our most enthusiastic and encouraging allies, personally and professionally. You inspired us, set our bar extraordinarily high, demanded we exceed it, and celebrated our growth and success as though you were our proudest relative—and we loved you so. 

A few years ago, we were blown away when you advocated for The Buckeye Institute as a contender for the prestigious Templeton Prize. We are also infinitely thankful to have spent the past few days with you in Miami and desperately hope you knew and felt how many of us there deeply adored, admired, and appreciated you. Our world will never be the same, we will miss you desperately, and pledge to keep our hats permanently tipped to you.

– Robert & Rebekah Alt on behalf of The Buckeye Institute