This Was a Man   

I would like to express my profound grief and my sincere condolences to the Buckley family and to all at National Review on the loss of William F. Buckley. In this age in which we suffer from a dearth of heroes, I’ve had few beyond my own father.  One was Mr. Buckley.

I’ve read his magazine. I’ve read his books.  I’ve watched his show.  I’ve learned from them all.  His wit, wisdom, and intelligence were inspirational.  He made one proud to be a conservative. I’ve also watched how he lived life.  Perhaps I learned the most from that.

When my father died, we incorporated this quote into his eulogy for the words seemed to sum up my father’s life: “His life was gentle; and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was a man!”  (Act V, Scene V Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar) Mark Anthony was speaking of the death of Brutus—“the noblest Roman of them all.”  Although it is not a perfect analogy, I believe these words are also an apt eulogy for Mr. Buckley.

May God welcome him into heaven with a “Well done, good and faithful servant.” and may he rest in peace having earned our love, admiration and gratitude for a life well lived.
Kathleen Houlahan

03/02 07:04 PM