
He was an American original. The type of American we used to be and need to be again. He was a clown, a character's character, a rogue, a rascal, who twisted your arm and broke your heart and mended it all in the same minute. He made people do the impossible, dream dreams and accomplish deeds of which they never before believed themselves capable. He made grown men cry at the sight of a passing flag and crowds laugh, to quote a Pretty Woman til they almost peed their pants. He inspired, he bullied, he cajoled, he ruled. He was, said a former nun, the orneriest son-of-a-bitch I ever loved!