Frederick Link Obituary
Fred attended the Birmingham public schools and went on to earn his BA from the University of Michigan, where he covered sports for the Michigan Daily. He then received his law degree from Harvard Law School, and a PhD in Economics from MIT, before working at a law firm in London, England and continuing his career in Zurich, Switzerland.
Fred was a massive fan of Detroit sports and regaled his daughter, Jayden, with stories of Steve Yzerman's Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. He had a great fondness for the Upper Peninsula, enjoyed cross-country skiing and loved sledding in the Swiss Alpine town of Bergün. He adored his cat Casey.
Fred's quick wit, gentle patience and unwavering kindness enriched the lives of all who knew him. He will be remembered as warm and generous, with a razor-sharp intellect and a great sense of humor.
He is survived by his mother, Cynthia, of Birmingham, and his daughter, Helena (Jayden), of New York City.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Charles, and his father, Robert.
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
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Nic Bottomley
November 11, 2025
I was lucky enough to work alongside Fred when he arrived in London as an intern and then associate for A&O. His humour and disarming confidence and ability quickly connected us and we carried that into a couple of high-octane trips across the Atlantic to watch as much live sport as we possibly could over a riotous weekend. They were great times and Fred's appetite for laughter made them so.
Sadly, geography and divergent career paths meant we'd never managed a reprise, though occasionally we connected to agree we should. It would have been a blast.
All my thoughts to Fred's family and friends. He'll be greatly missed by so many.
Thomas Werlen
October 11, 2025
My sincere condolences to Jayden and Michelle and the whole family for someone taken way too early. That said Fred had a wonderful live with many highlights and friendships.
Fred joined our team at A & O in London in 2004. His truly exceptional personality coupled with unique analytical strengths and a JD MBA Harvard/MIT degree but also his deep interest in areas as diverse as engineering and finance made him my perfect partner for supporting clients such as Linz based VA Tech or Zurich based EFG bank in their financing needs. I threw him early on in cold water but he would thrive on these opportunities - not forgotten is the moment when Dan Cunningham and I were on a hike while a deal was closing and Fred had to take decisions but could not reach me and Dan just told him - do what you think is right and he did!
We developed an immediate link and although we worked together at A & O only for 2 years a bond for life developed. Fred would self-teach German so he was able to attend meetings on Vienna; he would soon understand the banking business better than the inhouse team at EFG International so much so that the CEO offered him as a young associate the position of Group GC upon their IPO.
And he continued to impress and develop his unique skills to not only do great legal work but also assume risk and finance functions at EFG. With me moving to Basel and him being in Zurich our trusted relationship continued also through many joint colleagues and friends. Over the years we reengaged also business-wise when Fred got me and newly established Quinn Emanuel involved in highly complex and truly challenging cases they faced at EFG; although he was no longer in Legal he seemed to understand the issues better than anyone at EFG. So for instance in 2015 we took a number of trips to Hong Kong and back for business negotiations and enjoyed the time also apart from work.
With Fred moving back to Detroit the physical meetings got less. But we stayed in touch and Fred visited when coming to Zurich. Fred would sometimes be silent for some time and then suddenly reappear and seek counsel on most private issues but his deep trust honored me immensely.
Only a few months ago he alerted me with plans to come to Zurich and sounded full of life and energy. When a month later Michelle updated me about what is going on I was shocked and feel with everyone the loss that we all are facing - I could have seen many more pages in Fred's already very full book of life.
With my deepest condolences
Thomas
Jeffrey Golden KC (Hon)
October 2, 2025
Fred Link was one of a special group of brave young legal pioneers near the turn of the century. As did the others, after graduating law school in the US, Fred packed his bags, moved to London and joined the law firm of Allen & Overy to help establish a US law capability there.
Allen & Overy was at the time unquestionably a prestigious place for English law qualifying graduates to start their legal careers. However, Fred´s stellar academic record ensured other options, some closer to home, including the more traditional, and no less prestigious, career path of starting with a leading US law firm. The fledgling US law practice at A&O, which had been tasked with competing with those leading US law firms in practice areas in which they were strongest, was relatively-speaking still in start-up mode - much smaller, much younger. The challenge of all that obviously appealed to Fred, as did his further international career in Switzerland that followed from it.
For Fred´s courage and commitment taking the path less well travelled, those of us in the group who worked with Fred will always be grateful. But that was not Fred´s only or necessarily greatest gift to us. Never content with just being the smartest person in the room, Fred was always good company - working with Fred was fun. And for that, Fred will never be forgotten, but he most certainly will be missed.
Jeffrey Golden KC (Hon)
Retired Founding Partner, US Law Practice
Allen & Overy LLP
Rita Portmann
September 28, 2025
Dear Michelle
Dear Jayden
My deepest condolences and sympathies.
I took a quiet moment to say goodby to Fred. - He was truly one of the finest people I have ever met, and I will miss him deeply. We shared so many moments of laughter at the office. Fred was not only incredibly intelligent and witty, but also on of the kindest, most generous colleagues - always ready to help, support and inspire.
I will carry the memory of Fred, just as he was, in my heart - always.
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Amy M
September 22, 2025
I met Fred over 25 years ago when he was visiting a mutual friend in London. He had the best sense of humor and was a wonderful & loyal friend when I really needed one. I have the best memories of fun times with him. He never failed to make me smile. Sending my love and thoughts to Jayden.
Tracy and the gang
September 21, 2025
We´re heartbroken but taking comfort in the memories of our joint trips, great dinners, laughs and conversations. Thanks for making us love Detroit, Fred. Rest easy .
Inna Schwartz
September 21, 2025
Fred has been a great friend and but our relationship started out as him being my role model many years ago when I just moved to Switzerland. We worked in the same bank where he grew to become the Chief Risk Officer. He was my inspiration to become also a Chief Risk Officer today. He was a great one in his days and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Despite his achievements and intellect, he remained loyal, gentle, and kind human being.
Jeff Eldridge
September 20, 2025
Fred's lack of pretension was as remarkable as his brilliance. He was often the smartest person in the room but mostly showed it when someone made the mistake of putting on airs without backing it up. He was as comfortable in the stands of Michigan Stadium or the corner of a greasy spoon as he was in a law-and-economics seminar. Few people were better to hang out with for a game. He was a legend at The Michigan Daily and will remain that way for many.
Joanie Nolder
September 20, 2025
Red and I thought a lot of Fred. He was always so kind and thoughtful. My heart goes out to my loving granddaughter and her mom.
Joanie Nolder (Nana).
Kevin Wulwik
September 20, 2025
Fred was both one of the smartest and kindest people I have ever known. A true friend. He always had a different way of looking at things like his desire to open the world´s first math and cheese shop. I shall miss terribly his sense of humor and the adventures we had. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his mother, Jayden and the wider Link family.
Tera Miglio
September 20, 2025
Fred was an amazing man. His accomplishments always amaze me, as does his willingness to learn more and his eagerness to teach me what he has to offer. He and his brother, Charlie, always pushed me to be the best version of myself.
Fred always loved putting others first, helping those in need, and always taking care of everyone else around him. His love for his daughter, Jayden, always warmed my heart. He will forever be missed deeply but never forgotten. .
Daryn S Berger
September 20, 2025
Fred was so thoughtful and cared that people were treated fairly; he didn´t shy away from pointing out what should be addressed. He was so very intelligent, but could break down very complex issues, whether financial, political, or why a certain Michigan football offensive game plan was less than ideal. He will be missed by many.
Bill Belknap
September 19, 2025
Fred was a one of a kind -brilliant, kind (with a sharp wit), and a true Michigan/Detroit sports fan. He was a great friend and an amazing person, the kind you brag about knowing. He´ll be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
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