Linda Bean in Memoriam
With a heavy heart, I share the news of the passing of my dear friend, Linda Bean. Linda was not just an acquaintance or a supporter of the causes I believe in - she was a true friend and confidante for over 40 years.
I first met Linda in 1980 while working for the National Conservative Political Action Committee (NCPAC). I cold-called her off a list and convinced her to make her first political contribution of $1,000, which we put to good use in defeating liberal Senators such as George McGovern and Birch Bayh in the election.
What started as a chance encounter soon blossomed into a lifelong fellowship built on shared values and a deep commitment to preserving America’s founding principles. Linda also became a strong supporter of the Media Research Center, focusing on sponsoring our internship program aimed at developing future conservative leaders in media and public policy.
Linda was always a force to be reckoned with - a passionate advocate for conservative ideals, a successful businesswoman, and a generous philanthropist. Her dedication to her home state of Maine and her tenacious commitment to the causes she believed in were truly inspiring.
Like her grandfather, who founded the outdoors outfitters L.L. Bean in 1912, Linda had a glorious entrepreneurial spirit that led her to ventures in vacation rental cottages, and restaurants and the founding of Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine, LLC in 2007. Her charitable works extended to organizations such as the Portland Museum of Art, the Maine Historical Society, and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, among others.
She firmly believed in the sanctity of life, the Second Amendment, and limited government and deeply admired Ronald Reagan. She ran for Congress in 1988 and 1992. When Linda backed Donald Trump, she faced a woke boycott of L.L. Bean, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs and worked tirelessly for the company, where she served on its board of directors.
Trump defended Linda: “Thank you to Linda Bean of L.L. Bean for your great support and courage. People will support you even more now. Buy L.L. Bean.”
While Linda was a rock-solid supporter of MRC’s mission, and I am so grateful for her patriotic generosity, what I will always remember most fondly is her invaluable wisdom, delightful sense of humor, and genuine friendship. She will be missed by our entire MRC family.
On behalf of the Media Research Center, I extend our profound condolences to Linda's family, friends, and loved ones. Linda's legacy as a trailblazer in business, philanthropy, and conservative politics will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege and fortune of knowing her. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
With deepest sympathy,
L. Brent Bozell