Remembering the Gentleman Larry Greenfield

My friend and fellow Journal writer Larry Greenfield, who passed away on Jan. 28 one day before his 60th birthday, would probably look at me right now and say: “Suissa, don’t waste your weekly column on me. Write about something big and important, like the declining state of America or the rise of antisemitism.”

Well, Larry, maybe that’s why I’m devoting this column to you— because I know it’s not your first choice. You’ve always had a way of submerging your own needs to much bigger ones, like those of your world, your country and your community. But while you may not need us to talk about you, we certainly do, especially now that you’ve moved on to that other world few of us mortals know anything about.

But here’s the problem: even as I try to write about you, it’s difficult to separate you from those big and important issues that occupied so much of your mind and professional life. In many ways, those issues were you. They were your identity.

Even as I try to write about you, it’s difficult to separate you from those big and important issues that occupied so much of your mind and professional life. In many ways, those issues were you. They were your identity.

I felt that devotion in the hundreds of conversations we’ve had over the years, even before I became editor-in-chief. You were both fascinated and preoccupied by big societal shifts, by anything that might threaten the things you loved dearly, such as the founding ideals of this country.

This passion was evident in the many pieces you wrote for the Journal. When I went on your author page, I was actually stunned by the sheer number of commentaries and analyses you so carefully crafted. As I scrolled through the headlines, it felt like a mini-retrospective of your life’s work. Each headline brought back memories. Here’s just a small sample:

Larry Elder and the Rise of Black Conservatives

Has Free Speech Been Cancelled? A 6-Part Series

Interpreting the California Dream’s Winners and Losers

Can Civil Discourse Prevent Our Second Civil War?

Big Tech is Big Trouble

The First 100 Days: Biden’s Dull but Bold Presidency

The Tikvah Fund and the Roots of Jewish Conservatism

David Crane: California Man On a Mission

The Threat From China is Real. Will Biden Rise to the Challenge?

The Scientific Controversies Around COVID-19

Anatomy of a Growing Recall: The People vs. The Governor of California

The Reverse Gold Rush: Is the California Dream Fading Away?

The Highs and Lows of American Leaders and Israel

A Brief History of Hope

No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center

This trip down memory lane reminded me of our endless discussions about so many topics. Sometimes you had an idea for a piece; other times I would. You never said no when I asked. If I offered a critique, you never took it personally. When you disagreed, you did so politely and decently. You were passionate about your views, but above all, you were a gentleman.

The highlight of our professional relationship was when I called you to discuss the most divisive and explosive issue of all—President Donald Trump. Half of our readers despised him; the other half tolerated his sins because they agreed with his policies. After a little brainstorming, we came up with an idea: One essay would argue that Trump was “the cancer,” while another would argue that he was “the chemo.”

You offered to write the chemo.

Here’s the best compliment I can give you: When I asked the person who wrote “he’s the cancer” what they thought of your piece, the first word I heard was “thoughtful.” That was a perfect word to describe you.

We will miss your thoughtful and knowledgeable commentary, Larry, but we will also miss your decency. That is something I can assure you everyone will miss.

You had strong views that fell squarely in the conservative/Republican tradition, and you were blessed with vast knowledge on the issues you wrote and spoke about. If we connect the dots, perhaps it was your decency and thoughtfulness that made you seek all that knowledge.

I can imagine a little smile on your face right now, because I ended up including in this column some of the big issues you cared about. But I also included what made you special.

We will miss your thoughtful and knowledgeable commentary, Larry, but we will also miss your decency. That is something I can assure you everyone will miss.

So long, my friend.