On Tuesday, Charles T. Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, passed away at the age of 99. Although he is generally overshadowed by Warren E. Buffett, Munger was responsible for developing Berkshire Hathaway’s investment approach. Even though Buffett and Munger disagreed often, Buffett was renowned for saying that Munger was a valuable part of the company’s success. His death marks the loss of one of the largest conglomerates in history and a moral compass for Berkshire Hathaway.
Charles Thomas Munger was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended the University of Michigan when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and married. After his discharge, he was accepted into Harvard Law School and built his own law firm. However, the company dissolved, and, with his financial situation declining, he decided to invest. Three years later, he met Warren E. Buffett. After rolling on the floor laughing at his own jokes, the two clicked and began to invest together. Following his success, Munger married, Barbara Borthwick, and officially became Buffett’s partner at Berkshire Hathaway.
Munger’s death marks the loss of not only a billionaire but of a moral compass for Berkshire Hathaway. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Munger, an intricate and educated man, completed an illustrious partnership that led to the development of one of the most successful and largest conglomerates in history as Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman. His strategies have remained influential and historical, and his relationship with Warren E. Buffett has left a lasting impact on the corporation. With Munger’s passing, the legacy he left shows that his influence has had a profound effect on the world of business and investing. He was truly a remarkable individual whose contributions will be sorely missed.