Rizk, Fred Elias - 1925-2011

RIZK

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 9/6/2024 at 13:33:45

Fred Elias Rizk, 86, died among his family Friday, November 4 in Houston, Texas after a two year struggle with thymic cancer.
He was born March 21, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa; the son of Syrian-Lebanese parents, Moussa and Souria Rizk. He attended East High School before enlisting in the Navy Sea Bee's during WW Il. After serving three years in the South Pacific, he returned to Des Moines and enrolled in Drake Univrsity, graduating in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in finance. He then moved to Houston and attended the University of Houston Law School, being admitted to the Bar in 1957. Although he spent his life building and managing a vast empire of apartments and commercial structures he'd created, Fred, always kept his law license in tact. He began his business career in a small construction trailer with only $63.00 in his pocket. Over the years he grew this business to expand across the United States and international locations, leaving a permanent imprint on the world of real-estate development. During these years as a titan in the construction business, he was accorded the honor of heading a host of Boards and civic organizations in both Houston and in Texas, including the local, state and national housing authorities. Sitting for over a decade on the Texas Housing Authority, he became known as the Icon who protected the State's more unfortunate citizens from the sad fate of "having no place to live". Instead, he saw to it that Texas would provide it's less fortunate a decent home in a low cost housing project. He founded and was president of the Houston Apartment Association. and sat on it's National Executive Committee.
However, as prominent as he was in the construction business, Fred will always be remembered as one of Houston's most generous citizens. 365 days a year he was there to help, and although he gave millions to a long gamut of causes which he felt were worthy, he was adamant about never wanting the credit or to be recognized as the giver. His charities to either an individual or a group were always anonymous. After decades of selfless giving, all across the board, from the scholarship program he started for immigrant children, to struggling widows, to the countless teachers, ministers and priests who didn't have money for rent while studying for their degrees, the City of Houston decided to finally recognize this unique human in their midst. So, at a giant party thrown to honor him in 2008, the Mayor Bill White of Houston in company with the Ambassador from Lebanon and the Texas Congressional delegation, read a proclamation making May 15, Houston's official Fred Rizk day.
Fred called everyone he knew, "Cousin". He felt a genuine kinship to every person he met. They were all his cousins. So, wherever you are Cousin, we know you're busy helping someone whom you've found to be in need.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and four older brothers. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, three sons 'Eddy", Rex, and "Rocky"; two grandsons and a brother Dr. Edward G. Rizk and wife Billie; plus numerous extended family members.
Condolences may be sent to either: Sylvia R. Rizk 3201 Westlake Dr. Austin, Texas 78746 or; Eddy G. Rizk 6200 San Felipe, Houston, Texas 77057.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, December 11, 2011, page 9B