The Wisest Long Term Investments of
Carl H. Lindner, Jr. By Paula Bussard
The news first reported Carl Lindner was rushed to the hospital on October 17, with labored breathing caused by ‘heart problems’. All of the tributes documenting his passing from this life to the next have revealed the media was incorrect. The heart and life of this Christian, husband, father, and businessman were sharply aligned with eternal priorities and principled living resulting in open hands offering generosity beyond measure.
We’ve heard much about what our city has gained through the generosity of Mr. Lindner, but the Church of Cincinnati, the combined ministries and local churches, has gained even more. And God has kept a running tab in the heavenlies tracking the vast investment Carl Lindner made in that which has eternal value.
The church of 65 we pastor in Colerain Township received an unexpected gift of $15,000 in 2006 from Mr. Lindner. He had heard of our vision to reach and help the homeless and less fortunate. That timely gift gave us the hope to carry on…and touch….and hug many more hearts.
As expressed by his own sons, Mr. Lindner was totally devoted to his wife, sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I served on the Grand Opening committee for Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and watched as he beamed with a grandfather’s pride at the dedication ceremonies. I’m convinced his keen interest in building a top-rated, blue ribbon school nestled in Cincinnati’s seven hills was so his family, and scores of others, could benefit from the outstanding education.
His business acumen put him heads above most others his heart for blessing others had an even greater impact. I had the honor of living in Norwood during my junior and senior high school years. We were required to live within the city limits because my mother was one of the two public health nurses. As part of her job, she visited the UDF dairy farms and stores. She would often talk about them on evenings after a visit and always expressed such a deep respect for the family. Mr. Lindner, well known for honoring his employees, treated us and the other health department staff to a boat ride on his personal craft each summer. As a young girl, I remember that special “Princess For A Day” feeling.
Based on my mother’s wise counsel, I applied for my first job at UDF. As a senior in high school, I worked at the UDF Plant Store across the street from the main offices. This opportunity provided for me many life long lessons in the practice of fair and ethical business principles. Bob Lindner would come in from time to time and was always so friendly and unassuming. So much so, it took several of his visits for me to figure out that the kind gentleman with the warm smile was THE Mr. Lindner.
Now, the Carl H. Lindner, Jr. baton is passed to us, the recipients of all he taught by his example. What is the return on his investment in our lives? May each individual, business, and organization that received the benefits of his work, understand that God used Carl to set up a ‘trust fund’ in our lives. May we continue to be wise with our use and distribution of those funds, and grow that seed money into a forest of testimonies that will multiply those investments in our community.
Clearly, Carl Lindner learned and practiced the verse found in Matthew 6:19, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Now, may the media stand corrected. His heart caused him no trouble at all. It was his greatest asset. If we think he was wealthy while here in Cincinnati, just imagine his net worth now!
Paula Bussard
President
Open Door International Schools
513.604.0075
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