I was introduced to Mr. Buckley when I was 16 years of age through a book my Republican father gave me for my birthday. The pages made for elegant reading and I think that I have read all of WFB's works of non-fiction. I learned much, pondered long, and in the end became an independent voter, affixed to no particular party.

But this I will say, Mr. Buckley was a true gentleman. He was kind and generous, and never once can I think of an incident where he was tempted to thoughtless mean spiritedness. He taught me to listen, to ask questions and to make up my own mind.

Yes, Mr. Buckley was a true gentleman and we need men and women of decorum in this world so often filled with haste and violence. I shall truly miss him and wish him God's peace and loving kindness.