John Seigenthaler was a giant. He was as much a part of this city’s history as anyone he covered, and his integrity and passion for truth and justice have inspired many people in many walks of life. I appeared on his televised book review program, A Word on Words, when I was hawking “Daughter of the Air,” and he knew as much about Cornelia and the Fort family as I did. He did three 30-minute tapings back-to-back, and he was on top of everything. He enjoyed himself and made us enjoy ourselves. As a speaker, a journalist, a defender of the First Amendment, a literary man and much more, he has made society better. He lived life well.

Prominent editor, activist John Seigenthaler dies at 86