YOUR AD HERE »

Royle Launcey Glaser Freund

Royle Launcey Glaser Freund, prominent woman in business, artist and lover of art, devoted friend to many and a loving family matriarch, died peacefully at home in Rancho Mirage, CA on March 3, 2016 with her adoring husband and loving daughters by her side.

Royle was born in Milwaukee on Flag Day, June 14, 1930 and grew up in San Francisco, where she developed a strong sense of independence, confidence, responsibility and exceptional social skills. Her attributes served her well as President, CEO and Chairwoman of Revell, the largest multi-national maker of model kits for planes, ships and cars. She and her first husband, Lew Glaser, co-founded Revell where Royle was one of the first women to head a multi-national public company. The company was later taken private by the Rothchild Group.

Long time member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), World Business Council, Hobby Industry Association and Toy Manufacturers Association, Royle was well known, highly regarded and honored in the industry. She believed that Revell’s models must be accurate scale replicas. Her commitment to accuracy was demonstrated by Revell’s inclusion of the swastikas on replicas of WWII German war planes, despite Royle’s personal revulsion toward this symbol.

Royle married Mike Freund and pursued her passions for cooking, entertaining and art. She created and delighted in works of art assemblage and painting which were exhibited in art shows in Aspen. Royle and Mike shared what they both considered “A GREAT LIFE” as Aspenites since the late ‘70s. In Aspen, Royle served as a docent for the Aspen Historical Society and Mike worked during the winters as a ski instructor. Together they supported the animal shelter, promoted the arts, participated in programs at the Aspen Institute, attended the music festivals and entertained family and friends.

Upon being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2007, Royle relentlessly pursued any treatments that would enable her to have as long and rewarding a life as possible. She insisted upon maintaining a heavy social schedule with her treasured family and friends. Royle took great pleasure in being fondly called “Tutu” by family and friends. She had a special bond with many friends, including Chuck Silver and Brian Miller. As Chuck so lovingly noted,


“Her spirit and memory will live forever and with each of us whom she is leaving behind.”

She is preceded in death by her mother Anne Abrams. Royle is survived by her loving husband Mike Freund; her daughters Kim (Roger) Selbert, Leslie (Richard) Kanner, stepchildren, Dave (Carolyn) Freund and Jennifer Freund (Robert Moore); grandchildren, Courtney (Paul) Fishman, great-grandson, Kai Logan Fishman, Anthony (Juli) Kanner, Adrienne (Brent) Johnson, Rebecca, Matthew, Sarina and Ari; sisters, Gale Ebert, Lois, Bonnie and Adrienne; brother, Brad.

In accordance with Royle’s wishes, the family will privately celebrate her life. In her memory, donations can be made to her favorite charity: Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter, PO Box 985, Aspen CO 81612 or at http://www.dogsaspen.com.