NAIOP Massachusetts just held its awards dinner honoring Boston Properties with its 2010 Distinguished Real Estate Award and the late Ed Linde with its Public Service Award.

Edward H. Linde

When I started out in this business in the 70s, it was hard not to notice this dynamic duo of Ed and Mort.  They were a prime example of the new developer: thoughtful, analytic, creative, methodical, and visionary.  I had a number of opportunities to talk with Ed over the years.  For me and for so many others, he was always accessible and provided sage counsel.     

For Ed, the time and charitable investments he made in the community were an integral part of his life.  When he was on a volunteer board, he was there to be an active participant, regardless of the  time commitment required. 

So, a lesson from Ed to all of us; yes, it is important to do well, but equally important to do good!

NAIOP chose to honor the memory of Ed Linde in recognition of the impact he had on countless charitable and civic causes throughout the city. Known as a tireless supporter of the arts and other philanthropic causes, Ed was co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Properties until his death this January.

Throughout his career, he led by example in business as well as in philanthropy, serving as a mentor to many in the business and non-profit communities. Together with his family foundation, he was a major supporter of many of Boston’s most respected organizations, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  But his support of these organizations was just the tip of the iceberg, as his civic and charitable commitments ran deep through the city, including: The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston World Partnerships, Jobs for Massachusetts, and WGBH, among many others.

In honor of his lasting contributions to our city and our industry, NAIOP Massachusetts has decided to rename this award the Edward H. Linde Public Service Award, so that his legacy may live on to inspire future generations of philanthropists.