Republican fundraiser Fred Malek has died at 82, according to the American Action Network (AAN), a center-right think tank he established.

“For more than half a century Fred Malek contributed to making America a shining beacon of democracy throughout the world,” AAN Chairman Norm Coleman said in a statement announcing Malek’s death.

“A man moved by conscience to act on behalf of his fellow man, Fred stood, time and time again, for the values our Founding Fathers envisioned when they created the nation he loved more than life itself. Fred exemplified the best in leadership,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The American Action Network family is profoundly saddened to lose a true friend and visionary today,” AAN President Dan Conston said. “Fred touched the lives of countless Americans, always driven by his love of country and boundless energy.

Malek served in the administrations of Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush and served as a national finance committee chairman for the late Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainCindy McCain endorses Biden: He's only candidate 'who stands up for our values' Biden says Cindy McCain will endorse him Biden's six best bets in 2016 Trump states MORE’s (R-Ariz.) 2008 presidential campaign as well as finance chair for the Republican Governors Association.

Malek also served as president of Marriott Hotels and Northwest Airlines.