Ambassador Henry Owen, former Bretton Woods Committee co-chair, dies at 91 |
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November 9th, 2011
It is with deep sadness that the Bretton Woods Committee acknowledges the passing on November 5 of Henry Owen. As members know, Henry was the co-founder and principal force behind our organization for 20 years until his retirement in 2006.
Henry’s professional life began in WW II where he served in the Navy in the Pacific and where he came to appreciate Japan’s and Asia’s growing role on the world stage. Later, as a both scholar and diplomat, he served as Ambassador for Economic Summits under President Jimmy Carter. He also worked at the State Department’s Policy and Planning section and later led the foreign policy division of the Brookings Institution.
Among his many laudable attributes, Henry was an idea man and a creator of new initiatives. He was a total believer in the axiom that there is no limit to what you can accomplish if willing to let others take the credit. He was one of the principal architects of economic summitry that has come to overshadow other venues as the most important forum for global decision making. He was an important force behind the influential Trilateral Commission which helped cement Japan’s role in the ‘Western’ system. In his home town of Washington, he created a local charity to mentor and provide tuition support for inner city kids to attend private District schools.
Earlier than most in the foreign policy establishment, he recognized the fundamental link between international economics and diplomacy. He saw the vital role that funding for development lending and balance of payments support play in maintaining both global financial and political stability. He devoted untiring efforts to ensuring the multilateral financial institutions would receive the support they required.
Right up to his death he remained in close touch with BWC leaders and staff. Only weeks ago he dictated a letter to Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, pledging new help on Capitol Hill. In his last days he was pleased to receive a personal response from Zoellick warmly welcoming his efforts. Others at the Committee will ensure his pledge is kept.
A memorial service for Ambassador Owen will be held at 11:00am on December 2nd, 2011 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in
