In Memoriam F. Warren Hellman 1934 - 2011

In Memoriam
F. Warren Hellman
1934 - 2011

We honor our beloved Trustee and Chair Emeriti, Investment Committee Member, and Bay Area visionary.

Warren was an extraordinary civic leader. His courage, compassion, and creativity have had immeasurable impact in the region.

Warren served as a Trustee of The San Francisco Foundation for eleven years, and was Chair for three. Warren embodied our mission, to mobilize resources and act as a catalyst for change to build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and promote philanthropy. We were blessed to have had the the privilege and pleasure of working closely with him on his intensely personal and broadly impactful philanthropy.

Because of Warren’s vision and generosity, hundreds of thousands of revelers celebrate every fall at his Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park’s Speedway Meadow. The meadow has just been renamed Hellman Hollow in his honor. The Festival beautifully epitomizes Warren’s signature approach; to start with his personal passion, innovate an original idea, bring in multitudes of talented partners, and then take it to scale so that the results affect millions.

Warren was a singular force for the greater good in our community. He was a creative and dedicated advocate for public education, public parks, free clinics, and dance and music for all. As a civic and business leader, Warren was a role model setting the highest standards for ethical practices and engaged citizenry.

As a philanthropist, Warren’s vision and generosity knew no bounds. Be it park bonds, public school bonds, online journalism, modern dance, or blue grass music, he invested where his heart was and has made San Francisco and the Bay Area more just, more fun, and more beautiful as a result.

"Money is like manure. It's better when you spread it around."
 -- F. Warren Hellman

Warren Hellman was the best of San Francisco. We mourn his passing and honor his memory. May his memory forever be a blessing.