Another Giant Falls

John Charles Carter, known as Charlton Heston, died yesterday at home, with his wife of 64 years, Lydia, at this side. He was 84. He leaves behind two children and three grandchildren.

The Heston family issued the following: "To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and , of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity.

We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind an devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved.

No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country. In his own words, "I have lived such a wonderful life! I've lived enough for two people."

Charlton Heston was more than just an actor. He was a civil rights and a political activist. He was a Republican in Hollywood. He was a fierce supporter of the Second Amendment. To hear the liberals in this country talk, a person would think Heston was some knuckle dragging caveman because he was the President of the NRA from 1998-2003 and defended private gun ownership.

Early in his acting career Heston was one of only a few actors to speak out publicly against racism. Towards the end of his career, environmental messages were part of his movies, such as "Omega Man" and "Soylent Green". He was much more than unserious late night talk show comedians joking at his expense will even measure up to in their own obituaries.

My husband and I were honored to meet and dine with Charlton Heston one evening in Lafayette, Louisiana in the 1990's. It was the same private club to which we belonged that enabled us to meet several interesting well-known public figures. Heston was the dinner speaker and our table was one over from his table. It was rather startling to look over and see him as just another fellow diner. He was very friendly and gracious in the cocktail reception before dinner and posed for pictures and answered questions like a champ. It was a wonderful evening we still fondly remember.

On the Second Amendment and those on the opposite side who would like to deny private gun ownership in this country, Senator John McCain said, "Neither justice nor domestic peace are served by holding the innocent responsible for the acts of the criminal."

I think Charlton Heston would agree with that statement.

Rest in peace.