National Review founder and legendary conservative commentator William F. Buckley died as many great journalists have: busy at work, yet doing so in his home's study in Stamford, Ct. "If he had been given a choice on how to depart this world, I suspect that would have been exactly it," National Review Online editor Kathryn Jean Lopez wrote. "At home, still devoted to the war of ideas." He had been ill with emphysema.

After founding National Review in 1955 and continuing to be its editor-at-large up until his death, Buckley penned more than 40 books and hosted the show "Firing Line" for more than three decades. His columns had been distributed by Universal Press Syndicate since 1979. Buckley even once ran for mayor of New York City, in 1965.

Buckley's wife since 1950, Pat, preceded him in death last year.

Probably one of Buckley's wisest journalism moves was stocking National Review with fresh, young talent to ensure that the political magazine didn't die on the desks of stodgy wonks. Seizing the online era with the conversational forum of NRO also helped keep his brainchild up to date.

Universal co-founder John McMeel -- now president of the syndicate's Andrews McMeel Universal parent -- said in a statement: "...In fact, I always had to prepare for a couple of hours before meeting with Bill, like I was cramming for a college exam. His intellect and insight were incredible, and I’ll never forget his talent. If I could say anything to him now, it would simply be: 'Thank you.'"

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