The American Spectator : Lawrence Henry, 1948-2009

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Lawrence Henry, 1948-2009

By Wlady Pleszczynski, Shawn Macomber, Jeff Jacoby, Jeremy Lott & W. James Antle, III on 2.13.09 @ 6:09AM

The death of an American (Spectator) original.

(Page 3 of 3)

Last August, Henry thought he would get a new kidney transplant and reflected, on the eve of what he thought would be his new lease on life, on his "glorious career."

Looking back on his "working life" as a writer, Henry was admirably clearheaded. "I have managed my career very poorly," he wrote. "I have never published in the most famous or prestigious publications." It wasn't that he hadn't "had chances" but when those chances "came up, I always did something wrong."

Henry confessed that he "sure would like to figure out…how to make a success of myself..."

He was right about his lack of success where fame is concerned. Go to Wikipedia and type in "Lawrence Henry." You won't find an entry.

One thing he was wrong about, though. Henry said, "I know how well I write: as well as anybody." He knew that he had the stuff but I fear that he went to his grave thinking that he was only a good writer when in fact he was capable of greatness.

I don't have to make the case. Just go read some of his columns. The political ones are good enough, with their unpredictable mix of idealism and fatalism and the occasional wacky idea thrown in. But it was when he wrote about what he knew that he really shone. He could make the reader see what he saw and feel what he felt.

Larry believed that his diary columns were too self-indulgent and occasionally apologized for them. That kills me. I'm sorry there won't be more of them.

*****

W. James Antle III

Lawrence Henry and I once lived the same double life. By day, we were mild-mannered Bay Staters, inconspicuous among the latte-and-Volvo set. By night, alone at our keyboards, we were wordsmiths of the vast right-wing conspiracy, somehow dropped behind enemy lines. We were both columnists for Enter Stage Right, the most enduring of the anti-Clinton conservative webzines that appeared in the 1990s, occupying that part of the Internet Al Gore wished he'd never invented.

"Please, call me Larry," he began one of his many emails to me, as he became one of my most intelligent and cherished correspondents. I first knew Larry as a creature of the Internet, but he had all the qualities online denizens lacked -- civility, grace, humor, and learning. People who write and comment on the Internet under the cloak of anonymity are often hateful and angry. Larry was loving and cheerful.

Once I spied a column of Larry's being savaged by some posters on Free Republic. These anonymous irritants were clearly Larry's intellectual inferiors and I felt compelled to rise to my friend's defense -- under my own pseudonymous handle. Just minutes after doing so, I received a "Freep mail" message from Larry thanking me for my supportive words. When I revealed my identity to him, he wrote, "Aha! A friend in disguise!"

Most of all, Larry understood there was so much more to life than politics. That's a perspective many of us political scribblers sorely lack. Though Larry was a sage observer of the political scene, his best writing was about almost anything else -- his past jobs, his adventures as a rock-and-roller, his faith, and his family, especially his beloved boys. Larry could -- and, in fact, did -- write better copy about changing dirty diapers than most writers ever churn out about the weightiest of subjects.

Larry and I would occasionally meet for lunch at the Pour House on Boylston Street in Boston, usually when he was in the city for a visit to some hospital, Mass General perhaps. I remember our first meeting. I finally recognized him from a photo I'd seen of him posted online. I walked up to him and introduced myself. He never expected W. James Antle III to be a 25-year-old information technology professional. "You never know what people you correspond with on the Internet are going to look like," he said.

We had some great conversations. He was the only man I knew who could talk with equal ease about the Bush Doctrine, the bass licks in Rick James' "Super Freak," and the Nicene Creed. I remember our conversations before moving to the Washington area, where I would eventually work for the magazine that had become the home to so many of our writings. His sister lived in the same northern Virginia town as me and he said he hoped to visit when his health permitted.

I never saw Larry again, though we traded emails. During his final illness, I kept making a mental note to send him an encouraging email but something "important" always got in the way. To my everlasting shame. It's sad to think of Larry being gone. But not discouraging, for our trust is in the saving power of our Lord. Rest in peace, old friend.

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About the Author

Wlady Pleszczynski is editorial director of The American Spectator and editor-at-large of AmSpec Online.

About the Author

Shawn Macomber is a contributing editor to The American Spectator.

About the Author

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for the Boston Globe.

About the Author

Jeremy Lott is editor of RealClearBooks.com and RealClearReligion.org and associate editor of RealClearScience.com.

About the Author

W. James Antle, III is associate editor of The American Spectator. You can follow him on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/Jimantle.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (47) | Leave a comment

Rick Parker| 2.13.09 @ 6:23AM

This is heartbreaking news. I've followed Larry's journey through his columns for several years now and have always been amazed at his cheerful attitude. I'll really miss his outlook on life.
Is there a way we can send our condolences to his wife and children?

Craig| 2.13.09 @ 6:25AM

A sad day indeed....his thoughts in his final days were so encouraging to me. I will miss him. Rest in peace.

Bill Lannon| 2.13.09 @ 6:35AM

I am devastated. I too have been a faithful reader and admirer of Larry Henry for years. His wit and courage were inspiring. As the years passed and he revealed more of his history, I was amazed at the scope of his experience and the wisdom he drew from it. I will miss particularly that feeling that a friend was in each and every column.

Were TAS to compile a collection of his work, I would buy several copies in a heartbeat.

My condolences to his many friends and especially his family. May he rest in peace.

Melvin| 2.13.09 @ 6:58AM

God speed Lawrence, now that you are beginning your next journey free of pain and want. I'm sure Saint Peter will be looking forward to your next article.

Will P| 2.13.09 @ 7:22AM

I always loved his column, but I had no idea so many other people felt the same way. His introspectiveness was somehow moving - how many columnists can be described in that way?

Jim| 2.13.09 @ 8:19AM

Lawrence Henry's poignant columns on his kidney disease led me to offer a kidney as a non-directed donor. Thanks, Lawrence, for making me a better person; you will be missed.

Doug Sjostrom| 2.13.09 @ 8:57AM

I'd been a long time reader and fan when I introduced myself in an email as a "Fellow Exile in Massachusetts" living in the next town. Larry was home recovering from his quadruple bypass. I was surprised to receive an invitation to visit him at home which I did shortly thereafter. We took a short ride around the more historical parts of North Andover in my newly restored MGA. It was a brief visit that left me wanting to spend more time. Much more. Godspeed Larry.

Paul| 2.13.09 @ 9:26AM

Truly a loss for us Am Spec faithful.

Mimi Evans Winship| 2.13.09 @ 9:39AM

He had barely entered middle age,
This well crafted and beloved sage.
Through his pen were years of gems begotten.
He will clearly never be forgotten.

Anastasia Mather| 2.13.09 @ 9:41AM

This is sad news. Another great light gone, a man who knew what a man's life consisted of mistakes and all.

As another commenter said, a collection of his writings would be snapped up.

Ned| 2.13.09 @ 10:20AM

I try to read something from American Spectator at least a few times a week. I always look for Lawrence Henry, lately with a sense of hope. When he is not present I go looking, with continued hope, to the archives to see if I have missed a column.
Today I found him front and center. It will be a sadder day for me, but also a reminder of the greatness of the human spirit, a gift from God.

Anthony| 2.13.09 @ 10:21AM

A funny and witty man with a greater sense of purpose than just to himself. We will miss you. Godspeed.

Lou| 2.13.09 @ 10:41AM

I have been dreading this day.
How is it that someone I knew only through his writings could make me feel I had a friend in him? What an exceptional man he was.

Vern Crisler| 2.13.09 @ 11:21AM

I had been wondering what had happened to Lawrence Henry. I hadn't seen any of his columns recently and I thought about writing AmSpec last week to ask how he was doing. I was afraid he wasn't doing well.

Unfortunately, the disease he wrote about so poignantly caught up with him and took his life. Those of us who followed his pain, his disappointment, and his grace can take courage from a life so well lived and a death so well endured.

I am not afraid to die, said St. Augustine, for we have a kind Lord.

Marie| 2.13.09 @ 11:23AM

I feel such a profound sadness reading of Lawrence Henry's death. Loved his writtings. Will miss him big time. May he rest in peace and God bless his family!

Bill Croke| 2.13.09 @ 11:51AM

Larry, R.I.P. And best wishes to his family.

Paul Petersen| 2.13.09 @ 11:51AM

Lawrence was a such a great distraction from the drum beat of political jousting we all get revved up for at TAS. It was always refreshing to hear his personal reflections on life, leisure, family, faith and friends. His perspective will be missed.
Paul

Sam Haldi| 2.13.09 @ 11:54AM

God bless you Mr. Henry. Thank you for enriching my life and allowing me the gift of reading your writing.

Charles Hutchinson| 2.13.09 @ 12:11PM

I am the twin brother of Lawrence Henry's dad'
Just why he became L.H. instead of Larry
Hutchinson is part of who is was. I never quite
knew. We re-connected about a doz. yrs ago. I'm
so glad we did! I visited him in NJ and Boston.

Eric| 2.13.09 @ 1:14PM

I will miss Mr. Henry’s columns which were a joy to read. His style was calm, clear, humble and just plain old enjoyable without the shrill and vapid commentary that plagues many online magazines and newspapers. My condolences to his family and friends

IMKessel| 2.13.09 @ 1:40PM

Mr. Henry's life was an inspiration.

Now may his memory be a blessing.

Rest in peace.

ruth| 2.13.09 @ 1:51PM

Mr. Henry, you will be sorely missed. I've loved reading your many fine columns over the years and have considered you a friend. I am glad that you no longer suffer and that you are in the Lord's hands now. Rest in peace, sir.

Rose | 2.13.09 @ 2:05PM

I do hope you will do a compilation of Lawrence Henry's very fine writing, wit and wisdom. It will be timeless in the manner of E.B. White. God bless his wife and sons and all of his friends who must now endure the silence left behind.

David Hanson| 2.13.09 @ 3:58PM

Over the years Larry Henry's words at TAS have delighted my soul. Now his soul joins the "great multitude which no man can number...standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Rev. 7:9)" Let's not weep, but rejoice for Larry's victory over death--and trust in the same Lord Jesus as Larry did that He will reunite us with Larry someday.

Alan Brooks| 2.13.09 @ 4:18PM

as more members of the patrimony pass on, the sadder life gets.
and then we have to make life up (play it by ear) as we go along-- that is mostly what we're doing.

Alan Brooks| 2.13.09 @ 4:22PM

...and life with less solid conservatives is not more serendipitous, it is more anarchistic.
not the same thing.

regards and comfort to his family.

Alan Brooks| 2.13.09 @ 6:41PM

chance favors the prepared, not the wild

John | 2.13.09 @ 11:33PM

Whoa. Thanks so much for the lovely tributes to Lawrence Henry. I've only known him through his wonderful writing. Wish I could have known him as "Larry." I have a very few special friends who remind me of him. There's not time enough in a single lifespan to find more than a few such. Thanks so much. My family's prayers go out to his family.

Merlin| 2.14.09 @ 12:56AM

I'll miss him, also. Condolences to his family.

Alan Brooks| 2.14.09 @ 8:00PM

no wonder life gets gnarlier, all the good people die off.

stmichrick| 2.15.09 @ 11:55AM

Wow. What a loss.
Go to the 'Contributors' page. Click on 'Lawerence Henry.' Start reading the columns.
What a goldmine.
What a loss.

Faffnir| 2.15.09 @ 8:57PM

Lord, have mercy on the soul of Lawrence Henry. He was a good writer. I envy his talent. He will be missed.

Robert L.| 2.16.09 @ 3:52AM

Go now, my brother. Your trials are over. I wished that you had one more recovery in you; you will be missed far more than you allowed yourself to believe. When they are old enough, I will tell your boys of what a real and true friend their father was. In the end, really, there is nothing more than this.

So I hope you are in a place with all the cigars and cheap opinions you could ask for, effortlessly breathing clouds and sweet dreams while someone else besides you feels obligated to smack those guys in the mouth. Maybe now, finally, you'll have enough time and enough air to practice your clarinet. No more excuses. I mean it.

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