I am particularly saddened by the death of my long-time friend, Forrest Church, and moved to speak on this occasion, because I had hoped he might speak at mine.

Despite our differences in age and background, Forrest and I had much in common: Both young, idealistic liberals and Unitarians out of the West; both concerned with the fate of all mankind; and both inheriting a feel for service from parents who were active on a wide range of public concerns. Forrest was kind enough to invite me to speak on several occasions at his church, and to officiate at my daughter’s wedding some years ago. I hope that all of us will learn not only from the way he approached life, full of energy, dedication and enthusiasm, but also from the way he approached death—courageous, cheerful and determined to reflect on what his life and still-fertile mind had to offer others.

Theodore Sorensen, former special counsel and advisor to President John F. Kennedy, is a widely published author on the presidency and foreign affairs. Among his books are the 1965 international best seller "Kennedy," seven other books on the presidency, politics or foreign policy, and numerous articles on those subjects in Foreign Affairs, The New York Times, and other publications. Mr. Sorensen's most recent book is Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History (HarperCollins, 2008).

• In Memoriam: Rev. Dr. Forrest Church