David R. Frazer, who was instrumental in the creation of the Flinn Foundation 60 years ago and served on its board of directors for four decades, died Oct. 16 in Scottsdale. He was 96.
As a prominent young tax attorney, Frazer drew up the original trust agreement that spelled out the nature of the Flinn Foundation and its goals. The Foundation was created in 1965 and later that year, Frazer replaced his law firm’s deceased senior partner on the Foundation’s board of directors—a position he held until 2004.
Frazer served as both board secretary and vice president, and the Foundation operated out of his law office from 1965-81. He also was co-executor of Dr. Robert and Mrs. Irene Flinn’s personal estates.
He was a board member when the Foundation hired its first employee, started the Flinn Scholars Program, began financially supporting the arts, moved into its own building on Central Avenue, and launched Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap in 2002. Frazer took a keen interest in all Flinn programs, including serving on the first Flinn Scholars Selection Committee. After retiring from the board, he remained an honorary director until his death.
Frazer’s legal career included a clerkship on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and as a federal trial attorney. He relocated to Phoenix in 1962 and after being a partner at several firms, co-founded Frazer, Ryan & Goldberg in 1989. He was an expert in private-foundation tax law and participated in legislative advocacy on behalf of the philanthropic sector.
Frazer, who was born in Detroit, earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan.
In 1953, he married Joan Mintzer. The couple had two sons, Douglas and Thomas. After Joan’s passing, Frazer married Marilyn Leventhal.
Frazer held many community leadership roles in addition to his service at the Flinn Foundation, including the Jewish Federation of Phoenix; the National Council of Christians & Jews; Anytown Arizona—where his service led him to receive the 2006 Hon Kachina Volunteer Award; Cancer Support Community Arizona; ASU Hillel; the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley; and the Jewish National Fund.
Frazer is survived by a sister, his two sons, and three grandsons.
Donations can be made in David Frazer’s name to the Jewish Community Of Sedona.
Flinn at Fifty: A video featuring David Frazer
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