Charlie Munger, the Vice Chair of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett’s right-hand man for nearly six decades, died Tuesday, Nov. 28; he was 99 years old. Munger and Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway, a New England textile mill, in 1965 and turned it into a conglomerate worth more than $785 billion that owns brands like Geico, Dairy Queen, and Fruit of Loom and has stakes in companies like Apple and Coca-Cola.
According to the company, Munger died peacefully at a California hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 28. His cause of death has been made public, Munger would have turned 100 on Jan. 1. In a statement, Buffett said, “Berkshire Hathaway could not have been built to its present status without Charlie’s inspiration, wisdom, and participation.”
Following news of Munger’s passing, business tycoons, investors, and colleagues have shared their thoughts and condolences.
“A titan of business and keen observer of the world around him, Charlie Munger helped build an American institution, and through his wisdom and insights, inspired a generation of leaders. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Charlie,” Apple CEO Tim Cook posted to X.
At the age of 99, Munger also served on the boards of directors of Costco and the Daily Journal Corporation. Munger remarked on his busy schedule during a recent interview with CNBC, ahead of what would have been his 100th birthday in just a few weeks.
“I like it that way. That’s my idea of a proper old age for me. I didn’t plan it. It just happened. When it happened, I welcomed it,” Munger said.