Frank Kirmss—In Memorium

We note with sadness the recent death of Frank Kirmss Jr., 65, of Dallas, Texas, a generous supporter of the Center's work, an enthusiastic participant in its programs, and a man who truly exemplified the spirit of Objectivism.

Frank served in the Air Force as a pilot in the Strategic Air Command, and later became a pilot with American Airlines. He left the airline to pursue his business interests as founder, owner, and director of APO International, an automotive products company that became enormously successful. In recent years his chief business concern was the Universal Machine Company, a subsidiary of APO that manufactures and distributes high-speed coin counters and wrappers.

Frank was one of the rare businessmen who stop to reflect on the principles of their success and the meaning of their achievements, and who are willing to think for themselves about philosophical issues. Like the pilot he was, he loved the view from 50,000 feet. He was a seeker of understanding, and when his search brought him to Objectivism he immersed himself in the works of Ayn Rand and other Objectivist writers. For many years he hosted a weekly gathering to study, discuss, and debate the ideas of Objectivism. When he heard about The Objectivist Center he became a member and valued advisor who took an enthusiastic interest in our programs, attending our Summer Seminar each year with his wife Mary.

Two years ago Frank discovered that he had an advanced stage of cancer; his doctors gave him less than a year to live. Those of us who knew about his condition admired his calm acceptance of it as a fact not to be denied or complained of. We admired his enterprise in managing his own treatment and beating the doctor's prognosis by over a year. Most of all, we admired his resolve to live fully and enjoy his remaining time. "When these tumors do come back," he wrote at the time, "they won't find me sitting here waiting for them. I'll be out there dancing." That's exactly what he did, and did to the end.

In early July Frank made a final business trip to Pennsylvania and joined us for the Summer Seminar in Johnstown, still eager to learn, taking notes at every lecture; still joking and making himself the life of every party that gathered around him. A week later he died at home.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Locniskar-Kirmss and to all of Frank's family and friends.