Frank was the best of friends and always filled with laughter and fun. I miss him everyday.

Miss you Dad.

I happen to be at PAQUIME in Chihuahua, Mexico today, a place Frank visited with me about 2006, immediately articulating that he wanted to bring his beloved Mimi back with him. He did, and this morning as I look out over the rammed earth ruins of this World Heritage Site, I give thanks for the time I was able to spend here with Mimi and Frank.

We remember Frank for his and Mimi ‘s friendship when we young and new to Washington. And we particularly remember their generous hospitality in their lovely, art filled house on Quebec Street.
We also remember Frank's ground breaking role as director of the National Endowment for the Arts as he promoted modern art in the United States.

Frank enjoyed a 2006 trip to northern Chihuahua so much that he wanted to return with Mimi. We stopped in Janos to eat breakfast with Celso and Emma Jaquez who make Don Cuco Sotol. The Jaquez family was so delighted with Frank and Mimi’s presence that they gave them a beautiful Mata Ortiz pot that was shaped like a rabbit.

I served with Frank on the PCAH. He was so astute and always contributed valuable advise. His wisdom remains valid through all that he shared throughout his lifetime of service. Frank had a genuine smile and an infectious hardy laugh. This website brings him back to all of us that new him.
Alice carrington Foultz

I share with Julia the loss but also deep and, yes joyful, memories of our lives with the Hodsoll family made rich and exciting. We shall never forget the exciting trips we took, the many meals together and not least the ideas we shared over those tables and food set so wonderfully by Mimi. Frank also was my colleague as well as very close friend and life took us often working together to accomplish some good. Frank's enthusiasms were infelicitous and he made so many diverse accomplishments in his working life, often not not noted always officially, but each day he added to the betterment of our governance. But more deeply he also was a vital force of our little personal community for decades and a uniting force of caring, accomplishment and love.

Antoine De Saint-Exupéry says that death is one of life’s most devastating sorrows. At the same time, it also is one of life’s most absolute inevitabilities. As a person of faith, I am confident that all of us who loved Frank will be together with him again—especially Mimi. But this is a belief not science. It comes with no guarantee. Until that hoped for coming together takes place, I receive some comfort in de Saint-Exupéry’s words from The Little Prince:
In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night.
Tonight and every night hereafter, when all of us look at the stars, let’s imagine Frank is one of them. He’s there happy and laughing and eager to embrace his beautiful Mimi, family and friends once more.

Frank and his entire family played a vital part in our lives and the endless joys of our deep friendship and the many times we work together abroad in Brussels and in Washington on the challenge of our time, and the many places we all visited over the decades and the sharing of so many good moments and work to make a better world we can never forget. Frank contributed so much to making our world and our nation a better place. He also had a special grace to make us enjoy his humor and many insights. God bless to the family and thanks for so many good memories.

I can't believe it is four years since Frank died. I still miss my American cousin and think of him often and his family. Due to being self-isolated these past few weeks I have been going through my photographs and slides! I came across some slides of my visit to Washington, D.C. in 1966 when Francis was a baby, and then some more photographs from April 1994 when we all met up with Frank and Mimi at Chatsworth, in Derbyshire and spent a happy day together. My thoughts are with you all on this anniversary, and if any of you should come over to England do get in touch and come and see us. With my love, Charlotte

I met Frank when I was president of Heritage Preservation and served as a delegate to UNESCO - there were 100 appointees but Frank made an effort to meet as many as possible, esp. those engaged in art and culture. SO many years ago but I still remember his clear love for his work and those who surrounded him, his sense of purpose and positive outlook as he help to resolve the many challenges we addressed. Our world needs more people like Frank and I love that every year thru this site I am reminded about his impact and character. My field is photograph conservation - your family pictures are wonderful. Best, Debbie

We all here miss Frank who was an vital presence in our lives, cause of much joy and adventures and his spirit lives on. The one great memory of Frank is his commitment to public service, to his wonderful family and to making sure all of us would share the joy of life and and friendships that never ended. Harry & Moore

Dear Mimi,
This tribute is a few years late. It was only today as I was researching some information on my activity in congress on the arts, that I discovered Frank's passing. He left us as I was heavily involved with trying to assure Trump was not elected president. So I feel especially guilty in both instances.

We all know Frank's engaging personality and how it helped him in dealing with all sorts of people. Even members of congress of both parties. I always enjoyed our conversations and joint efforts to keep the federal support of the arts from being reduced or even at times, completely eliminated.  When he asked me to sponsor the legislation that created the National Medal for the Arts, I took it as Frank's confirmation of my commitment to the arts as well.
He had that impact on people, making them feel good about themselves.

I also remember the opportunities Marilyn and I had to socialize with you and Frank away from the to and fro of Washington politics and governing. We enjoyed it very much. 

I hope you and your family are doing well and Marilyn joins me in wishing you the very best.
Tom Coleman
Former Member of Congress
http://tomcoleman.net

It was my great pleasure to have the opportunity to work with Frank on the
92 American Assembly and to contribute to briefing materials and the follow-up book.
But Frank's generosity came through when and others from this project accepted my invitation to come to Providence, RI and create a similar event hosted by the RI Arts Council, Brown University and the Providence Journal.
While there, he met privately with the Governor and help us for a follow-up 18-month Task Force on Literacy in the Arts. It resulted in the arts being listed as the 8th core subject and part of the State's graduation required proficiency in one or more art forms for all students. He truly was an inspiration to many and has left a great legacy.

It was my pleasure to work with Frank on a series of American Assembly projects on the Arts. He was such an effective leader --both at the NEA and for many years subsequent to his tenure as chairman. He was an important friend of the arts in America and someone who made a lasting impact on arts policy. He also had a great sense of humor and a was someone you could always learn from--whether it was his sense of possibilities or his uncanny ability to chair a meeting. He touched so many people that he worked with--I think all in a positive way. Reading the Xmas cards that often had a water color by Mimi and newsletters about family events and public activities each year i always brought a smile and a reminder of just well he lived life.

Thank you, Frank, for your clear and passionate sense of the public role of the arts in our democracy. It was and remains much needed.

Frank is very much alive in our daily lives, of course. In my case, not a week goes by without my quoting him, telling a story about him, or lauding him to people who never had the pleasure of knowing or working for him. I'm looking forward to many more years with Frank -- and I send best wishes from Lisa and me to Mimi and the family.

I shall always remember Frank's booming laugh and beaming smile. May he light up heaven with his gregarious personality!
Murray Woldman, Foreign Service Colleague of Frank's

Julia and I, miss dearly Frank as he was a wonderful part of our lives. He contributed so much to all and worked hard in the service of our nation and world.

Harry Blaney & Julia Moore

After one year, it is still hard to think of the world and our lives without Frank. We "shall not look upon his like again.”

Julia Moore & Harry Blaney

I am looking at a photo in my office of Frank wielding an aluminum crutch that I am parrying with my wooden one while we were both hobbled by leg injuries in the early 1990's. The shot was taken in Frank's office in the then-called Old Executive Office Building. I have so many fond memories of Frank's wonderful sense of humor and his full commitment to any task he took on. It was such a pleasure to know him and to work with him. He is truly missed.

In keeping with Frank's socio/political engagement, it has been rewarding to see Mimi's many and assorted social concerns on Facebook. She is keeping his candle lit.

Since 1982 i would get up on may1 and talk to frank. Being born 10 days apart in north and south california we discovered on january 20 1981 in the reagan white house that we had taken parallel paths through school iniversity law school and even marriage. From that day on we bonded as if we had grown up together 
We constantly discovered that we had more in common than even he knew in 1981. Many of my happiest memories are of holidays with frank and mimi the personification of perfect friends. I remember my last meal with frank two months before he died when he was as interesting as ever and not revealing how sick he was. His passing was a great loss to the arts in america. Jacqueline natasha olivia and i miss him a lot.

Eric and I travelled across the continents with Frank. His intellect was immeasurable as was his hearty laugh. We miss both. He was larger than life.
Alice and Eric Foultz

Frank and I worked assiduously together to establish our nonprofit, the Resource Center for Cultural Engagement, committed to using the arts to help create greater understanding and respect around the globe. Our success is predicated on the total commitment, tireless energy and multiple talents he brought to this endeavor.

I met Frank when I was UNESCO Commissioner. I was always inspired by his passion and kindness. He cared deeply about art and culture and humanity. I will be forever inspired by Frank. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of many worldwide.

Frank was such a mentor and hero of mine from the moment I came to NEA as Director of Challenge & Advancement - he took me under his big and very capable wing and then followed my career when I came to North Carolina and he served on my board at Kenan Institute for the Arts.  He was a champion for so much of what happened in the nation with arts in education - A+ Schools among those great successes he helped nurture.
I still grieve his loss, not only in my life, but in the lives of so many, especially his family.

It's not surprising that Frank's memory comes to mind as often as it does. He had such a positive impact on the lives of so many people, and in so many roles, that we encounter his legacy frequently. With his hearty laugh and his capacious intellect, he was a great boss who became a great friend. I will always be grateful to him and to Mimi for their generous fellowship.

Frank lived life with a capital "L"
It was wonderful having him and Mimi a part of mine.

Adair Margo

From Cameron Sanders

I first met Frank when he had just succeeded Harry Blaney (who I believe had hand picked him) as State’s FSO secondee to staff Russell Train, then Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality and subsequently Administrator of EPA, who had succeeded White House Counselor Pat Moynihan as US Representative to the NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (CCMS). Pat, with Harry at his side, had launched CCMS, an initiative intended to fulfill a Nixon campaign pledge to “revitalize” NATO - in giving the Alliance a new dimension in the area of civil cooperation on a ever widening range of societal problems which were to include highway safety, air pollution, ocean oil spills, emergency medical services, urban transportation, and solid waste management, to name a few. Despite Allied misgivings at this new departure for NATO, Pat with Harry had gotten it off to a strong start - with liberal use of White House clout ( CCMS was referred to “the President’s program”). When Pat Moynihan moved elsewhere, Harry was to stay on in the CCMS job with Russ Train and to keep the ball rolling in style (as did Tex Harris, another hand pick, who in turn succeeded Frank in the job when Frank moved on). I was the CCMS inside man and dogsbody in the NATO Affairs office at State and then on the delegation at USNATO in Brussels., and I worked closely at both ends with all three of these CCMS secondee All Stars.

From our first meeting I found Frank characteristically brimming with energy, ideas, and as always boundless cordiality. He was full of plans to make a great success of Russ Train’s first CCMS Plenary at NATO. He said he was preparing a Hollywood style “shooting script “ for the event, which would “block out” the action scene by scene for every individual meeting Russ would have with senior Allied colleagues, highlighting the key issues, objectives, pitfalls and points to be made, providing a detailed road map just as for a major motion picture. This sounded a bit like California talking, but it soon became clear to me that Frank had the requisite imagination, drive and confidence to get the job done and would carry it off – as he did brilliantly. Russ counted on him, and together they made a great team . No wonder Jim Baker was subsequently to choose Frank to work with him, first at Commerce and later in higher reaches as Baker spread his wings, and the rest is history.

Frank Hodsoll was a great government official and a wonderful friend. He did a terrific job as CFO at OMB and helped me and Senator Glenn get the Chief Financial Officers Act legislation passed in the Congress. We are all in his debt and we will all miss him very much.

Charles A. Bowsher
Controller General of the United States (1981-1996)

Unfortunately, I will be in California on the 8th so I will not be able to attend the memorial service.

Frank contributed in so many ways, with dedication and good will. That is a true life accomplishment, and he will be greatly missed. With sincere condolences to his family.

I am extremely saddened to learn of Frank Hodsoll's passing. Frank was a great mentor and friend to me as a junior officer in my State Departmemt career. Frank was a gentleman and noble public servant. I am grateful for the time he took to mentor and integrate me in his ever so elegant way. I am profoundly sorry for his loss.

We love you; I love you. You are the very best; you are the friendliest, most joyous, thoughtful, warm-hearted, industrious, sweetest individual I know. We have shared so much being roommates for three yrs. at 903 Branford, '57-'59.
And what wonderful trips you created. Thank you so much for coming out to Oregon when I had lung cancer surgery. You are such a magnificent man, and spirit. You will not be forgotten. Your eyes will shine for a long time. 

Love, Peter

I first met Frank in 1971 when I was transferred to a new job in State. I immediately understood that Frank was different from any other FSO I had met, smarter, more enthusiastic, friendlier and in every way a positive force of nature. And outside the office, Frank and Mimi were gracious hosts in their elegant house on Quebec Street where Mimi served gourmet meals in a stunning dinning room. And who could forget the black swimming pool? Frank's brilliant career was foretold at the beginning.

I first met Frank in 1971 when I was transferred to a new job in State. I immediately understood that Frank was different from any other FSO I had met, smarter, more enthusiastic, friendlier and in every way a positive force of nature. And outside the office, Frank and Mimi were gracious hosts in their elegant house on Quebec Street where Mimi served gourmet meals in a stunning dinning room. And who could forget the black swimming pool? Frank's brilliant career was foretold at the beginning.

I first met Frank when he was studying international law at Cambridge in the 60's. I was a penniless student then, having come straight to university from school. I knew very little about life. Meeting Frank, who was already married to Mimi, was an education. He was highly intelligent, well read, cultured, good looking, amusing and had a genuine charm and warmth which I will never forget. It was a great pleasure to remain friends with Frank and Mimi over the years, although we only met occasionally in London. I will miss him very very much. One of nature's finest. Mimi, our thoughts are with you.
Tony and Doris

I was so sorry too hear of Frank's death, and send my warmest sympathy to you Mimi, Francis and Lisa. I first met Frank in Cambridge in 1961, and then met up again in New York and Washington when I was in Canada. Our last meeting was in London a few years ago. I have such happy memories of our times together, he was such a special person, kind, considerate and with a wonderful sense of humour. A truly lovely cousin to have, and sad that another Hodsoll has gone. I wil be writing personally soon. In the meantime you are much in my thoughts. Peter, Emily, Harriet and Andrew join me in sending you our condolences and love, Charlotte

I was so sorry to hear the news about Frank. I knew him when I headed the British Council in Washington DC. He was fabulous to work with, knowledgeable, effective, generous and fun. I so enjoyed his company and joined him on a few memorable trips to conferences including in Spain and Florida. A great man who was incredibly modest considering how amazing he was! My condolences to Mimi and the family. Such a loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Sharon

Frank was there in the trenches with us and other colleagues, fighting the good fight, honoring and supporting art and culture as a way of keeping our nation an ever-creative one, and using the arts as a vehicle for reaching out across the globe to make the place a bit more humane. His intellectual honesty and deep sense of public service transcended politics and ideology. Always optimistic and hopeful, his was a large and encouraging presence, and he will be sorely missed.

Although I didn't have the privilege of meeting Frank Hodsoll, I know that he left a wonderful legacy through his loving and devoted son, Francis. It's clear how much Francis loved his father and I know Frank's intregrity, compassion, and character will live on and be passed down through the Hodsoll family.

I had the privilege of knowing Frank just a short time. A gentleman, scholar, and honest public servant. Frank, thanks for standing up for the arts in our country at a time when the neanderthals were howling for blood! You were one of the good guys!

When Frank became the head of the NEA--I was the chair of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Frank and I developed one of the best and most fruitful working relationships of my career. He was open, honest and I called him frank Frank---what a joy to work with him. We became friends and accomplished a great deal---like working with some of his staff and other state directors to put together the local arts council funding category and other programs. I invited him down to Chile in 2009 to be a speaker when I received the medal of arts award from the Chilean Ministry of Culture and he came. I considered him a friend and a mentor. Not many people like Frank around in the world of arts adminstration and public policy anymore. He will be missed but what a legacy. Bravo to him.

Remembering Frank Hodsoll
By Rocco Landesman


   If you lived in Washington, DC for any length of time you needed to have the occasional lunch with Frank Hodsoll. I'm not sure I could have maintained my sanity without them. In a town where a sentence that begins "I am humbled...." always means exactly the opposite, Frank was the odd man out. I knew that when I was with him I would not be positioned for an "ask," he would not promote himself or tell stories in which he was the hero, there was simply going to be an hour and a half of  warmth, candor and curiosity.

   Frank was always my nominee for Lowest B.S. Quotient in Town, but there was one subject on which he would fudge the truth. It is generally accepted that when Ronald Reagan was elected President, the NEA was marked for extinction by the Budget Director David Stockman. Frank, who was at the time James Baker's deputy, put his hand up for the job of NEA Chair, got the appointment, and proceeded to not only rescue the agency from the chopping block, but built its appropriation to a level above what it is today, and that's in nominal 1989 dollars, unadjusted for inflation. When, at a recent panel of NEA chairs for the NEA's 50th birthday celebration, I mentioned this, he did what he always does, and deflected all of the credit to President Reagan. According to Frank, he was just carrying out the President's wishes. OK.

   Franks's tenure at the NEA was long--both terms of the Reagan administration--and eventful. On his watch were the creations of the Jazz Masters Awards, the National Medal of Arts presented by the President, the Mayor's Institute on City Design, and partnerships with the American Film and Sundance Institutes, among others. But for those who worked with him, and those of us who were lucky enough to know him, his personal legacy is just as important. Without any vestige of pretense or self importance--he never presented himself as an artist or an inspirer of artists--he loved the arts unabashedly and worked tirelessly to support and promote them.

   Thanks, Frank. God speed.

   Rocco

Frank and I partnered when he was at the NEA and I was at the Rockefeller Foundation, building public-private programs to move American artists to festivals and exhibitions world-wide… Pew and the US State Department joined us. It was a coalition of interests, aspirations and service that only Frank could have made possible. We continued to build program together for many years after that. Frank's respect for excellence, free expression, artistry and the power of collaboration had no equal. He loved policy; he loved people. He loved canvas, choreography, jazz, cinema - all the country's creativity. He was a giant.

Via Ana Steele Clark, Michael Faubion would like to leave a tribute. As Asst Dir of Visual Arts & Acting Director twice, I had the privilege of working for Frank Hodsoll when he was NEA Chair. Spending my entire career at the NEA, I worked for several chairs from both political parties; therefore, I can state without reservation that Frank Hodsoll was among the top three leaders in the history of the agency. Personally, I always appreciated the respect he showed me, as well as the transparency he evidenced in his decision-making process. He is fondly remembered.

I had the privilege to work with Frank during my Foreign Service assignment in the UNESCO Affairs Office. I remember rushing to a meeting with Frank and not having read his bio beforehand. I quickly learned better. I worked closely with Frank in his role on the National Commission for UNESCO, on the World Heritage program and on our hosting of the 2011 World Press Freedom Day. In spite of all he had going on, Frank always had time to talk and to strategize. He never shied away from work and, for all of the leadership positions he had been in, was the consummate team player. I learned so much from him and we will all miss him. My condolences to you.

Frank will be remembered by everyone who ever worked with him. He was generous with his time and knowledge and always encouraged those around him to be engaged in all they did. It was a privilege to know him. He was certainly a positive force in the nonprofit and culture sectors.

Dear Mimi, Francis and Lisa, I was so saddened to read in the Post of dear Frank's passing last week. I remember our last meeting at fellow FSO Keith Wauchope's country home at our last Foreign Service Officer A-100 Class of 1969 Reunion. It brought many memories. I noted happily that Frank's smiles and laughter still survived strong and clear. 

I also recall a lovely dinner with Frank and Mimi at the Metropolitan Club in DC some years ago and what an enjoyable time Frank, Mimi,my late twin brother Joel and I had that evening! 

Frank's many accomplishments deserve remembrance but his sunny character does as well. Rest in peace, Dear Frank and my most sincere condolences to Mimi and children. He was always so proud of his kids!

I look forward to being with you at the memorial service in September.

Deepest sympathy

Murray Woldman"

I met Frank through a collaborative project through the American Film Institute--AFI:Project 20/20--where 7 American filmmakers traveled the world during 2007-8 representing the U.S. as cultural representatives to other countries. I had many lively conversations with Frank, whose mind and imagination were always racing, with fertile ideas on how to improve the world by facilitating the work of artists in their quest to reach audiences and stimulate the kinds of open-minded thinking that results. He will be missed.