A Good Man

September 3, 2012
In light of the recent passing of Sargent Shriver in 2011 after an extended battle with Alzheimers, his son honors his father's life and legacy in this heartfelt memoir. Beyond "Sarge"'s notable contributions to public service, such as his founding of the Peace Corps and his role in formulating Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, it is Shriver's roll-call of attendees at his father's funeral that speaks powerfully to Sarge's character. He was by all accounts a man of extraordinary drive, compassion, and kindness; at the memorial service, Sarge was eulogized not only by Oprah and President Clinton, but by Calvin, his garbage collector; and Ms. Wilson and Ms. Williams, waitresses at his "regular lunch spot" who said that they "had never met a more polite, thoughtful man in their forty years of work." Indeed, confronted with the choice between politics or family, Sarge consistently privileged the latter. Recalling a time when the author's brother fell down and began to weep, Shriver remembers "Uncle Bobby" Kennedy reprimanding the young boy, saying "Kennedys don't cry!" In response, Sarge quickly picked up his son and said, "It's okay, you can cry! You're a Shriver!" Though Shriver's writing chops may not measure up to the esteem in which he holds his father, this is nevertheless a moving and engaging tribute. 26 color photos.