News Release

Universal Press Syndicate Remembers Bill Buckley

Kansas City, MO  (02/27/2008)  John McMeel, president of Andrews McMeel Universal (AMU) and long-time friend of William F. Buckley called him a journalist of insight and intellect.

Breaking news on the New York Times Web site this morning at 11:04 a.m. ET reported that William F. Buckley Jr. died at 82. Buckley's office later confirmed this.

“I’ll always remember Bill as a great man of words with a tremendous sense of humor,” says McMeel. AMU’s syndicate division, Universal Press Syndicate, distributed Buckley’s “National Review” columns for almost 30 years. “He had such presence when he walked into a room and a grasp of history and current events unsurpassed by few. In fact, I always had to prepare for a couple of hours before meeting with Bill, like I was cramming for a college exam. His intellect and insight were incredible and I’ll never forget his talent. If I could say anything to him now, it would simply be: ‘Thank you.’”

Buckley's long-time UPS Editor Alan McDermott has his memories, too. "I recall once asking Frances Bronson, Bill Buckley’s delightful longtime assistant, about an unusual turn of phrase in one of Bill’s columns. 'Oh, darling,' she said with a laugh, 'that’s a Buckleyism.' How privileged I have been for more than two decades to have edited so many columns full of 'Buckleyisms.' Editing his column was similar to having a spirited conversation with a witty, insightful acquaintance. I sat up a little straighter when I was working on his column and discussing any questions I had with Bill’s editors at National Review. He made us rise to the occasion. His keen mind and elegant prose created an inimitable column," says McDermott.

Universal Press Syndicate prepared a Q&A with Buckley in honor of his 25th year of syndication with UPS that was published on Sept. 20, 2004. Buckley celebrated a distinguished career that has greatly influenced American conservatism and how the subject of politics is covered.

Also, just posted on The National Review's Web site:

William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008) [by Kathryn Jean Lopez]

I’m devastated to report that our dear friend, mentor, leader, and founder William F. Buckley Jr., died this morning in his study in Stamford, Connecticut.

He died while at work; if he had been given a choice on how to depart this world, I suspect that would have been exactly it. At home, still devoted to the war of ideas.

As you might expect, we’ll have much more to say here and in NR in the coming days and weeks and months. For now: Thank you, Bill. God bless you, now with your dear Pat. Our deepest condolences to Christopher and the rest of the Buckley family. And our fervent prayer that we continue to do WFB’s life’s work justice.

02/27 11:13 AM

Creator(s): William F. Buckley

Contact(s): Kathie Kerr

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