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David Halberstam Obituary
Halberstam, a New Yorker, was a passenger in a car that was broadsided by another vehicle in Menlo Park, south of San Francisco, San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault said.
"Looking at the accident and examining him at the scene indicated it's most likely internal injuries," Foucrault said.
The driver of the car carrying Halberstam is a student at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and was taken to Stanford Medical Center. Two others were injured.
Halberstam spoke Saturday at a UC Berkeley-sponsored event on the craft of journalism and what it means to turn reporting into a work of history.
He was born April 10, 1934, in New York City, the son of a surgeon father and teacher mother.
After attending Harvard University, Halberstam launched his career in 1955 at the Daily Times Leader, a small daily newspaper in Mississippi. By age 30 he had won the 1964 Pulitzer Prize for reporting on the Vietnam War for the New York Times.
He quit daily journalism in 1967 and wrote 21 books covering such diverse topics as the Vietnam War, civil rights, the auto industry and a baseball pennant race. His 2002 best-seller, "War in a Time of Peace," was a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for David Halberstam
188 Entries
Harry Simpson
April 23, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
John McLacken
July 9, 2013
Still miss you 6+ years later, still a shock that you were taken so suddenly before your magnificent life's work could be extended further still. It is a privilege to own practically all of your books, to re-read passages from them from time to time, and to treasure the memory of the one time we met. Your writing continues to stand the test of time -- not just the books, but the short pieces as well, and the forewords and introductions to other books that displayed the breadth of your knowledge and the depth of your understanding and passion for so many different subjects. But it is your integrity, your sincerity, and the goodness and kindness of your heart that will live forever in all of the people you have touched with your wise counsel and your written words.
March 16, 2010
For David...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
David Seith
February 2, 2010
My favorite non fiction writer. I very much enjoyed his baseball books. Great depth and perspective along with love of the game. I was suprised to learn of his books on national issues. I found the Best and the Brightest to be similarily profound to prior books i'd read. And very disturbing. I kept asking myself "have we learned anything in the last 40 years?'. (read it in 2008). As time and events have moved on, I would very much like to know David Halberstam's thoughts. I miss his thoughts and insights.
I pray for David and his family.
Joe Jerardi
December 27, 2007
I have read every book he wrote, own many, and have an inscribed copy of The Fifties. He was THE BEST non-fiction writer of my era (I am 67) and I am still sad over his death.
Laura Garces
June 14, 2007
I am re-reading The Best and The Brightest, and feeling again the tremendous loss brought about by David Halberstam's passing. I cannot express how saddened we all are. But his work, and sense of ethics remain and grow within us who continue to admire him --
Laura Garces
Andrew Milner
May 10, 2007
The first thing I ever had published nationally was a review of Mr. Halberstam's SUMMER OF '49. In 2003 I was lucky enough to meet him in person and found him to be charming and intelligent. I extend my comdolences to his family.
Fred Loeper
April 29, 2007
I suspect Halberstam leaned a little left of center, but I hung on his every word, which were rarely longer than four syllables. You will be missed.
Mike D
April 29, 2007
I met and worked for David on Nantucket. He was some one to admire as an accomplished professional and family man. Our present society lacks fundamentals that David exemplified as person of the community. Very sad to hear about his sudden departure. God Bless
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
April 28, 2007
A GEAT AUTHOR, REST IN PEACE DAVID
Joshua Major
April 27, 2007
I'm only 20 and Read your thought-provoking comments about the iraq war. I thought your were a good-editiorial writer. God Bless & R.I.P.
Bill Edgington
April 26, 2007
I enjoyed listening to David's baseball wisdom when he appeared as a guest on the Tony Kornheiser show.
isabelle levine carbone
April 26, 2007
Now Dr. Chaz's family are together. He was such a sweet little boy and I loved to tease him.His Dad saved my life. Blanche(mother)was a lovely lady.Their family & my dad were close.Sorry.
isabelle levine carbone
Darrel Papillion
April 26, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Halberstam family and to David Halberstam's thousands of admirers. I have read most of his books. I spoke with him only once, but I treasure that conversation. He was very gracious. He wrote on so many subjects that were of particular interest to me. I will miss him and his work, but, unlike some friends we lose, his legacy -- his books and articles and all they convey -- will be with us for a long time. We are all the wiser and richer for it. God bless you, David. You will be missed.
georgepeter HERMAN
April 26, 2007
he told America!s stories to the world in such a captivating way, looking through those owl like spectacles..a legend..what great tales he must be recalling on the other side..RIP.
ray interlandi
April 26, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ted Jope
April 26, 2007
David Halberstam wss a Great American Treasure. I first heard him address the graduating class of 1999 at Tufts University, of which my son was a member, as their keynote Commencement speaker. His warmth, wisdom and articulation were so inspiring, especially in that setting. Since, whenever I learned that he would be interviewed on TV or radio, I would make a special point to find the time to listen to him, as he would always leave you with a memorable message or two, regardless of the subject involved. Tears came easily when I learned of his passing ... but, then again, we were blessed to know of him ... he will not be replaced.
Mark Smith
April 25, 2007
When I was on a bus home to N.C. from one of the national conventions in Miami in 1972 (I was a regional coordinator of Vietnam Vets Against the War), I read an excerpt from "Best and the Brightest" in, I believe, Esquire magazine. For the first time I understood the titanic scale of the Greek tragedy that beset Johnson and all those who had gotten us involved. I still remember the physical reaction of national loss. A writer - and newsman! - for the ages.
Donald Wells
April 25, 2007
Would that we had such honest reporting today. He will be missed very much. He was one of a kind.
David Goucher
April 25, 2007
When I walked in my home, turned on the TV and saw the terrible news in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, I nearly fell over. David's book "The Education of a Coach" was sitting on a book shelf three-feet from my television, along with "Summer of '49" and "The Teammates". A thoughtful, reflective, versatile, genuine writer, the likes of which we will not see again. Just a heartbreaking loss not only for his family and friends....but for us as a people.
Ilene Feldhammer
April 25, 2007
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.& Mrs. Halberstam in SF when I managed 1818 California B&B. Throughout the years I have always remembered them as special guests, especially so often hearing or reading their name or viewing Mr. Halberstam on an interview. I truly am saddened for his family and for
all of us losing him.
Bambi Mleczko
April 25, 2007
David was so much more than the greatest journalist of our time. He was kind, gentle and cared so much about others; especially children. He always asked about our children, and not in a vacant way, but so sincerely that you knew he really wanted to know. He was truly larger than life, and we will miss him, especially out in the rips fishing off Nantucket where he loved to wet a line.
leo derosia
April 25, 2007
i like to read and he was very gifted and i feel very ethical...a true journalist who could also tell a interesting story..i also think he didnt use his talent to take cheap shots at people like some nowadays...being from NE, i enjoyed his books on bill belichick, bill walton and larry bird(breaks of the game)...i also liked the fact he didnt pry into belichicks personal life and say too much about his divorce..maybe some things are not the publics business...i know belichick greatly admired him and considered him a friend...it really is a great honor to have david halberstam write a book about you...he seemed like he was the dean of american journalists...a great loss.. i know he had some more worthy books left in him..a big loss for all people interested in history...please accept my condolences on his sudden and untimely death..leo , warren NH
Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Turner, Sr. & Family
April 25, 2007
May God Bless And Comfort You
By: Charles G. Turner, Sr.
At times like this when we don’t know what to do
Just talk to God and he will see you through
When words sometimes just won’t do and you don’t know what to say
Just talk to God and let him have his way
When friends and family come and go
Just remember that God has an open door
At times like this when words alone won’t do
May God bless and comfort you
Katharine Swan
April 25, 2007
David Halberstam was a outstanding writer/journalist. Each AP language and comp. student who was assigned to find an article of his to share with classmates always came away astonished at the range and depth of his thought, and I was assured a wonderful classroom discussion that day.
John F. Spear
April 25, 2007
I'm feeling a little empty today. That's because someone who I truly looked up to for an opinion, a perspective on issues of a nation/society is no longer with us. As a sports fan Mr. Halberstam's writing encouraged me tho look at other parts of our society that I previously found boring. Today, my interest in politics and social issues continues to increase due in large part to the writing of David Halberstam. God bless you Mr. Halberstam.
Stephen Martin
April 25, 2007
To the Halberstam family, my sincere and heart felt condolences. David had a tremendous influence on me. In 1987, when I was 21 years old, I came across a copy of the ‘Reckoning” in a book store and it was one of those seminal books that really lit my fuse. This book demystified the process and haze of economics, international trade and the United States de-industrialization into a tremendously accessible and readable text The reckoning, and subsequent books I read by David, showed me that there are answers to all the many questions I have regarding life. This has remained a guiding principle to me with my own research, learning and life long love of reading and the truth. Thank you David, I will always love you for this.
Kip Fonsh
April 25, 2007
While the Halberstam family mourns the loss of a loved one, the nation mourns with them on the passing of such a remarkable human being and an author of uncommon talent, vision and integrity...with deep sadness on the loss of such a brilliant individual my condolences to the Halberstam family.
John Todd
April 25, 2007
I met him when we both were young--I a young Army Aviator and he a fledgling reporter hitching rides at Ton son Nhut. Nice man--real Yankee fan--I a Red Sox fan--he from Harvard--me from Northeastern. I used to take him on missions when I could and we argued endlessly about our teams. A real loss--a great man and human being.
Don Perkins
April 25, 2007
"Summer of '49"....best sports book I ever read -I felt I knew what living in 1949 felt like as I read it........
Janet Donovan
April 25, 2007
I am terribly sorry for this loss, for Mr. Halberstam's family and friends and for our nation. I've read most (not all, but getting there!) of his books and I consider myself more educated and more enriched for having done so. He was a wonderful writer and speaker, w/ keen insights and thought provoking ideas.
Thank you, Mr. Halberstam, for your service to our country.
To Mr. Halberstam's family - Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Peter Colford
April 25, 2007
As a History Major and sports nut, David Halberstam was always one of my favorite writers from an early age. He will be sorely missed but I will remember him every time I think of Jackie Robinson's famous quote; " A life is not important except for the impact that it has on other lives". Rest in peace.
April 25, 2007
While working as a policeman on the mid-night shift many years ago, I would often listen to David being interviewed on talk radio. I became an instant fan. Such knowledge and command of language. I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing.
Michael P
April 25, 2007
Recently, my wife was saddened by the loss of her favorite writer, Mr. Vonnegut. Tonight, I am saddened by the loss of my favorite writer, Mr. Halberstam. They both are talents that will not soon be replaced. My sympathies to the Halberstam family.
Rita Huntsman
April 25, 2007
I was deeply saddened to read of the tragic death of a very good and decent man. I loved to hear him speak with his wonderful voice and way with words. He was a true journalist and I will miss his intellect and his softness. Condolences to the Halberstam Family.. Rita Huntsman, Laughlin, NV.
Eric Aschemeyer
April 24, 2007
It is always a tragic loss to when a profound journalist dies an untimely death! Although I have read few of his books his words still speak volumes! I send my condolences to his family!
Tom
April 24, 2007
David Halberstam will be missed by any and everyone who appreciates great writing. He was a singular talent, and the legacy he leaves behind - in politics, in sports, in life - is one of brilliance and tremendous insight. His death is just an absolute shame.
Lawrence Telles
April 24, 2007
I am devastated that such wonderful voice is now silent. Thank you Mr. Halberstam, for a shining the light of truth in painful places. You've made more of an impact than you knew in life. Bless you!
Anonymous
April 24, 2007
Such a tragic loss. I remember David's deep voice and indelible presence, his graceful wife Jean, and his sweet daughter Julia as a dark-eyed toddler on Nantucket. Also a long-ago Sunday brunch at his New York home with Jean and my family, enjoying fresh bagels and lox from Zabars. Small glimmers from decades ago, now burning brightly again with this sad, sad news.
Mark Wong
April 24, 2007
I am very sad about this. I have read many of his books, the last one about the New England Patriots head coach Bill Bellichek. He was one of the fairest journalist around with his astute insight to what happened in Vietnam. He took President Johnson and Robert McNamara to task over their management of the war. This is the man who the wrote diverse books from the "Best and Brightest" to Playing for Keeps. I still can't believe this. There is no one else like David Halberstam!
susan higgins
April 24, 2007
What a tremendous loss. I knew David when I was a kid on Nantucket. My father, George V. Higgins, was an admirer and a friend of David's. I well remember when David's brother, Michael, was killed and how upsetting that was. My dad and David bonded over their love for baseball, and the Red Sox. I think that both my dad and David would appreciate the fact that I was at the Sox game last night when I found out that David had died. A sudden loss is so difficult and I hope that Jean and the rest of the Halberstam family will reach out to my family if there is anything that we can do. We have a powerhouse in David and my father in heaven this year. I say another world series win by the Sox is in the offing. Much love to the Halberstam family from the Higgins family.
Misty Allen
April 24, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ken Sepeda
April 24, 2007
David Halberstam's death was more of a blow than I would have expected. I realized after awhile that David somehow seemed larger than life. I was living in Washington D.C. when his brother Michael was killed and gave some thought and a prayer for David and the Halberstam family at that time. I am very sorry for the Halberstam family for this sudden and tragic loss.
Barbara Blumenthal, Esq,
April 24, 2007
Thank you to a brave man and to his wife and family. May time bring you peace and healing.
Joseph Ragazzo
April 24, 2007
A great reporter, story teller and historian. And a great American. From the "Best and the Brightest" to "Summer of ’49" he brought a sense of history and meaning to his topics. I especially loved "The Teammates" – more than a book about baseball, but about a bygone era and important sector of the post WWII American Experience. He will be missed -- a great loss for America.
April 24, 2007
To the Halberstam Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Barry (Boston)
F H
April 24, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Chelsea Greenwood
April 24, 2007
I recently interviewed Mr. Halberstam for Boca Raton magazine, and I agree with the comment that his wife released to the press about his generosity to other writers. When I was done with our interview, I asked him for any personal advice he would offer a young journalist and admirer, and he seemed more than happy to offer some suggestions. He will be remembered as one of the best journalists of our time.
Richard Morrisroe
April 24, 2007
I had the good fortune to cross paths with David Halberstam at Kramer's Bookstore in Washington, DC 6 or 7 years ago. He and I were both trolling the bookshelves. I recognized him immediately and grabbed a copy of "The Best and the Brightest" from a nearby shelf. While he was autographed his classic, I stood in awe of this physically imposing man, then in his mid 60s. David Halberstam was formidable in more ways than one. The only other autograph I have is from Joe Dimaggio.
Bill Hoar
April 24, 2007
October 1964 was one of the seminal baseball books ever written. I have read perhaps 6 of Mr. Halberstam's books over the years and The Education Of A Coach, was the most recent. David was one of the truly great American witers in the 20th and 21st centuries and perhaps in any century. It is a truly sad day and the loss of a great American.
Dave Buerger
April 24, 2007
DH, you inspired my early days as a journalist. Thank you for your gifts of deep analysis and story telling. I'm still learning from you. My condolences to your wife at this sad moment in history.
Eric K. Gill
April 24, 2007
Mr. Halberstam's high standards for exhaustive researching, reporting and fact-checking inspired journalists from my generation forward. I read The Powers That Be in college, shortly after it was published in 1979. It prodded me into journalism school. Later, I read The Fifties--a reflective look at a genuine American culture and its once collective, if naive, optimistic spirit. Take good notes up there, Mr. Halberstam, and don't let Him say anything off the record.
Marcia Kaplan
April 24, 2007
What a terrible tragedy. My deepest sympathy to the Halberstam Family.
Stephen Lortie
April 24, 2007
David was an outstanding journalist and a beacon of truth in a world fraught with lies. His literary works will stand the test of time. He will be sorely missed.
Hwun Chen
April 24, 2007
This is so sad. I was thinking about going over to Berkeley Saturday night to hear him speak, but got lazy and instead stayed at home. It’ll be one of the biggest regrets in my life – having missed the chance to see this great journalist and historian whose books have had a profound effect on me over the years.
Joe Michaels
April 24, 2007
First Hunter Thompson. Then Vonnegut. Now Halberstam. My three favorite writers are all gone now.
What a loss.
Judy Erickson
April 24, 2007
I first heard of David Halberstam while listening to an interview on WEEI-FM in MA. I immediately bought his book "The Education Of A Coach" and it is one of my favorite books. He will be missed.
Sandra King
April 24, 2007
How can we find words to express our grief. David was larger than life in some ways and humble as the day is long. It was such a pleasure to listen to his wisdom, bask in his words and simply enjoy his company. I will particularly cherish the care and attention he showered on our daughter Cortney at the World Series in Boston in 2004 and the most brilliant, engaging graduation speech that was delivered at Bentley last May. Dear David we will miss you terribly. We are so fortunate that we will have your words to hold on to.
Donald Barry
April 24, 2007
I wish to express my sincerest condolances to Mrs. Halbestan, to his family and to those who loved him. The excellence he displayed as a totally outstanding family man, professional writer and citizen should be a shining example to all who wish their life to be valued now and when they pass on. I speak especially to newspaper reporters, journalists and authors for reasons that are too obvious to go into. I had the utmost admiration for the man and his body of work, even though I did not have the pelasure and honor of meeting him in person. I sincerely hope that those who honor and respect him will attempt to cultivate an increased interest in his body of work especially among the younger generation. I know I will!
Sincerely,
Donald Barry
Revere, MA
Esther FitzGerald
April 24, 2007
Never met Mr.Halberstam,just loved to hear him tell his stories and to read his writings.He was masterful at both.
So sad to hear of his sudden death...a great loss for his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
April 24, 2007
He did hard and necessary work well!!
Horace Coleman
Long Beach, CA
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
K. Willer
April 24, 2007
I am saddened and in shock. His writing was so thoroughly well researched providing many hours of pleasurable reading. Truly a writer's writer who had something to impart to us all.
R.I.P. Mr. Halberstam.
April 24, 2007
Your book The Children is a magnificent tribute to the courage of the young African-Americans who launched the civil rights movement.
Rita and Doug Swan
Bronson IA
Pat Mulligan
April 24, 2007
I was in shock to learn of Mr. Halberstam's death. We are contemporaries, and his books and commentary have always been a touchstone for me alongside my own life. He was not only brilliant, but a compassionate observer of the human condition. I am sad, and will always miss his insights into the world around us. He was one of the last TRUE journalists. Goodbye, David, Rest in Peace.
Ezra Schnick
April 24, 2007
We have lost an American icon.
Thank you Mr. Halberstam, for everything! You will be missed.
Margie Bernard
April 24, 2007
His writings formed a vital part of my political/social education in the formative years of my developing social conscience. What a tragic loss and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Dan Reichert
April 24, 2007
RIP
D.Paul DiMaggio Jr.
April 24, 2007
It was with great sadness that I learned of Mr. Halberstam's passing last evening via a phone call from my parents, Dom and Emily DiMaggio. They were devastated in loosing such a good friend.
We all express our sympathies to his family for their untimely loss.
The world has lost one of its true literary geniuses and we all are diminished by the loss.
I had the great pleasure to spend a 3 hour lunch with Mr. Halberstam several years ago, that was filled with his story telling. He was as fascinating an orator as he was a writer.
We will miss him.
Winnie Rambo
April 24, 2007
This country seems more risky than ever without Mr. Halberstam's vigilant and clear vision to help us day by day. I send my sympathy to his family and close friends, to all who are affected by the loss of a good journalist, a courageous and good man.
Kenny Sorkin
April 24, 2007
Mr Halberstam ,
Thank you for your help and generosity . Your writing was a pure gift to anyone that was lucky enough to have read your books or articles .
Lindsey Straus
April 24, 2007
When I heard the news on ESPN last night that David Halberstam had been killed in a car crash, I started crying, something I ordinarily do only upon learning of the death of someone who deeply touched my life - like JFK, MLK, Bobby, Princess Diana to name a few - taken from us too soon. I was a huge fan of his books (Best and the Brightest, the 50's), but especially his books on sports. Having been a sports writer for the Harvard Crimson, and having grown up a Yankee and Cardinal fan, and then, when I entered Harvard in 1969, as a Red Sox fan, I fell in love with his books on the 1949 pennant race (Summer of '49), the 1964 World Series between the last of the great Yankee teams of the 40's, 50's and 60's (Mantle, Berra, Ford, Howard, Maris, Skowron, Boyer, Richardson et al) and the first of the great Cardinal teams of the 60's (Gibson, McCarver, Brock, Flood, White, Boyer et al)("1964"), and, most recently, his wonderfully gentle and loving remembrance of the Splendid Splinter ("Teammates"), the last book I read. When I found out that he died while en route to interview Y.A. Title about the 1958 sudden death overtime game between the Giants and the Colts, I cried some more, realizing, selfishly, that I and his legions of fans, will be deprived of the chance to read his take on the "Greatest NFL Game Ever Played," one, like the 64 series, I remember vividly as a Giant fan, even though I was only seven at the time (I had to appear as an angel in a Christmas pageant at church so I missed the overtime on TV but had my father run in from the car with updates from listening to Marty Glickman on the radio). I only got to meet him one time (at a Crimson annual alumni dinner at which he was the guest speaker and honoree), but I feel a special kinship and connection with him that is hard to explain, much less understand. He seemed so wise, so caring, so honest. What a terrible loss for all of us, but most especially his family and close friends. My heart goes out to them in their time of grief. We have lost a great, great man. May he rest in peace.
Claudia C.N.
April 24, 2007
Heartfelt Sympathy to the family and circle of friends of a man, a "Mensch" who embodied - for me - a spirit of this land.
His integrity, generosity, fierce intelligence and superb writing will be missed, sorely missed.
Michael Deckers
April 24, 2007
I want to send my prays to the family of Mr. Halberstam. He will be sadly missed and all his books were breath taking to read. Teammates was the best book. I will miss him.
Stanton Klose
April 24, 2007
Never one to rush into things, I've just finished reading a copy of The 50s, which I acquired at a garage sale for what I consider to be a fair price of fifty cents. I read The Best and The Brightest years ago, and the/one of the baseball books as well. The book about Michael Jordan, also a garage sale investment, awaits.
He was a good man and a good author.
Aurelio D'Amico
April 24, 2007
I met David and his wife Jean at the Brookline Booksmith when he was promoting "Bill Belichick: The Education of a Coach". He spoke with me after the formal session and I found him kind, generous, and genuinely interested in my questions, as was his wife. I admit I don't read much but I was impressed with the book and wanted to meet him, I'm glad that I did. My deepest condolences to the Halberstam family.
Al Cummings
April 24, 2007
My thoughts and prayers to the family of David Halberstam. I enjoyed many of his books and always felt a few IQ points more intelligent when I completed my reading.
Robert Bland
April 24, 2007
Mr. Halberstam showed us the power of words emanating from an inquisitive, insightful mind. He was one of the all-time greats of American journalism. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Donna Williams
April 24, 2007
My sincere condolences to the family of one of the greatest journalists of our time. May you find solace in the knowlege that so many found him an inspiration.
Gary Willis
April 24, 2007
Thanks for the brief tome "Ho."
Ken Spilman
April 24, 2007
To Mr.Halberstam's family: My deepest sympathy goes out to you. David was inspirational to me. Whenever I picked up one of his books, I became lost between the pages. I consider "The Making of a Quagmire" one of the greatest books ever written. Many lessons are in those pages, some of which I will never forget.
Nancy Fowler
April 24, 2007
David Halberstam was among the best and brightest himself. A journalist with the courage to report the truth, despite extreme pressure to do otherwise. I remember the honesty of his accounts of the war in Vietnam and how they helped open the eyes of a nation. His model is one that could be better emulated today. Remembering him with gratitude.
G. David Singleton
April 24, 2007
I was saddened by the loss of this man with such insight and perception. His 1972 book, The Best & Brightest was my first introduction. It empowered those of us who were inspired by the vision of Presidnet Kennedy's leadership, despite the mistakes of the Vietnam War, that we could make the wolrd a better, more just place.
jeff waters
April 24, 2007
My favorite author, his work's subjects showed the breadth of his talents. "The Best and the Brightest" should be required reading in every secondary school in our nation
John McLacken
April 24, 2007
Mr. Halberstam, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed so much of your writing, I feel as if I know you--so losing you feels very sad and very personal. From your articles and books on important current events to your incisive sports books to my own personal favorite, "The Fifties", which made me appreciate the times when I grew up in a whole new light... well, a new book or essay by you was always something to look forward to, and always contained unexpected pleasures. I just can't believe there won't be any more. My condolences to your friends and family.
Paul Myette
April 24, 2007
I was introduced to Mr. Halberstam's writing when a professor in college assigned the book "The 50's" as our text for the class. I routinely read several chapters beyond the assignment. I'd never before discovered writings on history that I was unable to put down. I've been working my way through his material ever since. We've lost a man with a keen insight into the forces that alter history and I'm saddened by that.
Paula
April 24, 2007
I'm so sorry to hear about David Halberstam's death. I loved the way he wrote, and would have loved to have sat down and just talked with him. I especially loved "Firehouse", written for the fire station he passed by every day near his apartment in NYC, and its impact on him after 9/11. He was a great writer.
Dana Dunnan
April 24, 2007
When I was teaching journalism at Phillips Exeter Academy, I was fortunate enough to have the Globe's Bob Ryan come to speak to my class, and to the school. I told Bob how much I admired David Halberstam, and Bob said, "Ask him to come speak, and tell him I suggested it."
Mr. Halberstam's response was "Bob Ryan is such a nice man. I'll do it." (Halberstam could make a lot of money for his appearances, but made a summer trip off Nantucket because he believed in education.)
I was struck by the respect with which he treated all the people he encountered. To watch a Pulitzer winner treat adolescents as colleagues was a great lesson in the importance of humility.
Before he addressed the school body, a young reporter from the Exeter News Letter that I had invited came up to ask him some questions. His first question was "Now, what have you written?"
I watched David stiffen a little at the reporter's total lack of preparation. (I probably would have failed any of my students for such laziness.)
But David recovered, answered the questions thoroughly, and shook the young man's hand.
David's writings always gave the impression of a very special person at the keyboard.
I'm not sure you could know how special he was without seeing him in person.
Thanks for all you have done for yor craft, and for our country.
You will live on in so many hearts.
Mark Shepard
April 24, 2007
I was deeply saddened when I heard of the untimely passing of Mr. Halberstam. I enjoyed his writing so much. He was a occasional guest on the "Jim Rome Show" and you could tell from the conversations what a brilliant and gracious man he was. I would always stop what I was doing to listen to him. Rest in peace David, we will miss you.
Jane Tierney
April 24, 2007
I was saddened to hear of his loss. I read with fascination his work on the new football game book. I remember this game as a child, I grew up in Baltimore, and Johnny Unitas went to our church. It was an amazing game, and an amazing time. So sorry this great writer was not able to complete this work. Condolences to his family and those involved. I know they are greatly affected by this tragedy.
Anthony Livoti
April 24, 2007
I owe my citizenship in Red Sox Nation to David Halberstam. I read "Summer of 49" in the summer of 1990 while living in New England and became hooked on Red Sox baseball. He was a gifted writer who wrote effortlessly. A great, great writer and gentleman.
Tom Ostrander
April 24, 2007
I have very much enjoyed reading Mr. Halberstam's work over the years on both sports and historical subjects. I love sports and I love history; I have always been in awe of his ability to use each as a context for recollecting the other. More than that, he better articulated the deep sense of passion that we New Englanders have for our sports teams than anyone could ever hope to do. For that, I thank him. For that, he will be missed.
Holly Parker
April 24, 2007
David Halberstam became my hero when he spoke at my Dartmouth graduation. His words assured those of us who hadn't gone through the corporate recruiting process that we were on the right track, even if we were unemployed. Whether writing or speaking about politics, history, or sports, he was passionate and inspiring. As a writer and teacher, I have much to thank him for. He has left this world a richer place for his words and kindness.
Doug Mead
April 24, 2007
David Halberstam was one of the most gifted writers of our lifetime. He was a true story teller in every sense of the word. From "The Best and the Brightest", to "The Education of a Coach", Mr. Halberstam gave us riveting views and insights into a variety of topics, and he poured his heart and soul into each writing. Young journalists everywhere would be well served by emulating this great man's example of journalism at its best.
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