Great men never die! William F. Buckley made us think. His glowing smile and gleam in his eyes demanded attention. He was a renaissance man in the twentieth century who loved life, family, country, humanity, and GOD. He will live on in his writings, lectures, and other media but most of all in the minds and hearts he touched with his keen mind and love for life and freedom.
Buckley was the American Intellectual many respected throughout the world for a half of century. "Firing Line" inspired millions for 33 years. "National Review" was a forum and still is of recognized conservative thinkers who challenge all but most of all inspire young minds. Many read his syndicated newspaper columns for decades. His lectures were brilliant and pleasurable. His over 50 books challenged and inspired many. "God and Man at Yale" is Buckley at his best. He graduated in 1950.
Politics was a passion for him and even ran for mayor of New York. He was the American Conservative who lay-ed the groundwork for Goldwater and Reagan. The CIA and military service contributed to his appreciation of a strong America. His writings on politics, anti-communism, and espionage reveal it with wit. So did his speeches in the United Nation.
He was a master of the English language although he also spoke other languages including Latin. Whether he spoke or wrote, Buckley was a noble linguist admired my millions. It is why he communicated with style and elegance.
His family was of European heritage and he embodied the dignity of Europeans. His childhood was rich with experiences with his nine siblings and wonderful parents.
William F. Buckley will be remembered as an outstanding Roman Catholic of the 20th. century in America. He was a man of great faith in Judeo-Christian traditions and reminded us that the US was founded on those principles. His intellectual depth and knowledge of his faith gave him the ammunition to defend it in the spirit of the middle ages. Buckley knew and was truth. He attended the Latin Mass weekly in Connecticut.
Fine Arts were part of who he was. Bach was one of his favorite composers. He pplayed the piano and harpsichord. Classical music was certainly one of his loves. Sailing was a passion of his. He also loved horseback-riding, hunting, and skiing. Many photos remind us of those happy moments.
What an author, commentator, lecturer, and TV personality Buckley was.! He was an intellectual and a man of culture. American Conservatism looks to him as a father who will continue to inspire the youth of today and tomorrow. William F. Buckley was not only a great man in America but embodied the best of manhood.