Legendary money manager John Templeton is dead

  Sir John Templeton, who introduced many Americans to foreign investing, died today in Nassau at the age of 95. Templeton was known for many things, including an avid interest in science and religion and the sponsorship of the Templeton Prize. In the investment world he made his mark as founder of the Templeton Funds, now Franklin Templeton Funds after being bought out by Franklin Resources in 1992.  The Templeton Funds established a presence in St. Petersburg 30 years ago when Templeton's partner, John Galbraith, brought the company's marketing and distribution arm here. Today Franklin Templeton is a major employer in the Carillon office park. I had the privilege of interviewing Sir John a few times and always found him to be patient, kind and a great optimist. He often said you should buy stock in a country when things look darkest.

[Photo credit: Times files]

Comments

[Paul Cooper]

Helen,
Sir John was a living example of Dale Carnegie's recommendation to talk to others about them, not about oneself. Several times during video productions with him, he made me feel like the most important person in the world. After our first video production together, he complimented me, then asked about my background. When I told him I had been a speech major, he asked for my advice on what kind of courses his grandchildren should take to help prepare them for being at ease talking in front of groups. Another time in Nassau, when we were attempting to establish a satellite hookup so he could address a group in San Antonio that Peter Jones was hosting, nothing was working – and the Bahamian crew was operating on "Island time." I kept Sir John out of the hot lights and sat in the chair with a microphone until we finally made contact – quite a bit later than the set time. On the way back to his home he said, "Paul, I think you handled yourself very well in a very difficult situation." What a guy! Other people I can think of would have just stormed out of the studio ranting and raving, blaming me for everything. I sure hope you had the chance to visit with him personally.
Best wishes,
Paul Cooper
St. Petersburg