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Lawrence Eagleburger Obituary
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A straightforward diplomat whose exuberant style masked a hard-driving commitment to solving tangled foreign policy problems, Eagleburger held the top post at the State Department for five months when Baker resigned in the summer of 1992 to help Bush in an unsuccessful bid for re-election.
As Baker's deputy, Eagleburger he had taken on a variety of difficult assignments, including running the department bureaucracy. Baker often was abroad, working on Middle East problems, German reunification and collapse of the Soviet Union, leaving Eagleburger to tend to the home front.
Eagleburger told The Associated Press in 1990 that he operated "sort of by osmosis. You get a feel how he (Baker) would react to a situation."
He did not fit the image of the office.
He was hugely overweight. He chain-smoked cigarettes, sometimes with an aspirator to ease chronic asthma. He was afflicted with a muscle disease.
Born Aug. 1, 1930, in Milwaukee. Eagleburger graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He grew up in a Republican family, once telling a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal that "my father was somewhat to the right of Genghis Khan."
Eagleburger remained a Republican, but of a more moderate stripe.
Over 27 years in the foreign service, he served in the Nixon administration as executive assistant to Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, as President Jimmy Carter's ambassador to Yugoslavia, and as an assistant secretary of state and then undersecretary of state in the first Reagan administration.
In subsequent years, he was available to offer advice, along with other former senior officials, to Hillary Rodham Clinton as she prepared for the job of secretary of state.
Bush called Eagleburger "one of the most capable and respected diplomats our foreign service ever produced, and I will be ever grateful for his wise, no-nonsense counsel during those four years of historic change in our world."
In a statement, Bush said that "during one of the tensest moments of the Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein began attacking Israel with Scud missiles trying cynically and cruelly to bait them into the conflict, we sent Larry to Israel to preserve our coalition. It was an inordinately complex and sensitive task, and his performance was nothing short of heroic."
Baker said Eagleburger "was a legend in the U.S. Foreign Service, a consummate professional who served his country expertly and with great dignity as a selfless diplomat." He said his former colleague was "superb at divining trouble and heading it off. That's why he became the first Foreign Service officer in history to rise to deputy secretary of state and later to secretary of state. Simply stated, Larry Eagleburger was as good as they come — loyal, hard-working and intelligent, a trifecta for an American diplomat."
Eagleburger provided his support in 2008 to a drive by a new international group, Global Zero, to eliminate nuclear weapons over 25 years. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was among the star-studded group of supporters.
For five years, before joining the first Bush administration in 1989 as deputy secretary of state, Eagleburger was president of Kissinger Associates, offering companies advice on international politics and cashing in on his connections as did Kissinger and Brent Scowcroft, a former national security adviser.
The job paid handsomely. He earned more than $1 million in salary and severance payments in his final year.
After Bush's defeat in 1992, Eagleburger took a similar job with a law firm headed by former Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn. Eagleburger's intimate knowledge of the issues and the key players was a valuable commodity.
Eagleburger chaired the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims, which sought to settle decades-old claims brought by victims of Nazi brutality whose right to insurance settlements had been violated during World War II.
Eagleburger served in 2006 on the Iraq Study Group, the blue-ribbon panel headed by Baker and former Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind., that called for a gradual troop pullback and stepped-up diplomacy to help extricate the U.S. from Iraq.
"When I was asked to do this by Jim Baker, I was not at all sure that I was going to want to do it because I had really serious doubts as to whether bipartisanship could prevail in this sort of a session," Eagleburger said at the time.
In 2008, he was a prominent supporter of Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential candidacy. He did tell an NPR interviewer that McCain's running-mate, Sarah Palin, wasn't up to the task of taking over the presidency in a crisis but could become "adequate."
Over the years, a sense of humor served Eagleburger well.
Asked at a Senate confirmation hearing if he had ever in public or private pinched a woman's behind, Eagleburger replied: "Can I divide that into two questions?"
Asked by reporters how he planned to run the State Department after Baker's departure, Eagleburger responded: "Badly."
He named each of his three sons Lawrence — they used their middle names — and had a lack of pretension that was appreciated on Capitol Hill, and elsewhere.
"It was ego," Eagleburger told The Washington Post about giving his sons the same first name. "And secondly, I wanted to screw up the Social Security system."
Explaining Eagleburger's rapport with Congress, then-Rep. Stephen Solarz, D-N.Y., said "he always conveys the impression that he's speaking bluntly and candidly, and that goes a long way."
"He's a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes operator who allows you to believe he's open to your advice," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., on another occasion.
During the Persian Gulf war, Bush sent Eagleburger to Israel, where he held in high regard, to counsel patience as Iraq landed Scud missiles on the Jewish state. The Bush administration did not want Israel to retaliate, fearing it would shake the coalition with Arab nations that had joined in the fight to liberate Kuwait.
Eagleburger surveyed bombed-out rubble, supporting himself with a cane.
"I knew the Israelis. ... (The missile attacks required) someone they know cares about them," he said.
He also made clear he would hold to the American line even if they disagreed with it.
When he returned to Washington and a reporter asked about his poor health, Eagleburger retorted: "What are you writing for — some medical magazine?"
Eagleburger took on special missions to China and to Panama. His greatest concentration in overseas assignments was on Yugoslavia, where he spent seven of his 11 years abroad.
In 1992, he likened the country's dissolution, which began a year earlier, to a Greek tragedy and predicted "a lot of people are going to die."
At the same time, Eagleburger was not inclined to intervene militarily. "There are sometimes problems for which there is no immediate solution, and there are sometimes problems for which there is no solution," the long-time problem-solver commented paradoxically.
He found fault with all ethnic groups; found none of them particularly noble.
Eagleburger was married to the former Marlene Ann Heinemann, whose family was in the bakery business in Milwaukee. An earlier marriage ended in divorce.
Their home was a 40-acre estate west of Charlottesville, Va., where Eagleburger enjoyed listening to opera and playing poker, which he often did with reporters accompanying him and Kissinger on long overseas flights.
"Lawrence is not a worrier," his wife once said. "If he thinks he can do something about a problem, he does. If he doesn't, he can compartmentalize it and come back to it."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Eagleburger
50 Entries
L. Scott Eagleburger
December 12, 2012
Just stumbled on this today. Many thanks to all for kind words and memories.
Daniel McElwee
June 17, 2011
It was with great sadness that I learned of Secretary Eagleburger's passing. Years ago when he was the Deputy Secretary, I was honored to be responsible for his security during the first Gulf War and occasionally, up to the time he became the Secretary of State. Not only was he among the most brilliant people I have met, but also one of the funniest. Much has been said about his legendary sense of humor.
I have just a one short story of many. On one overseas trip the elevator we were riding stopped between floors. While directing the maintenance personnel how to remove the doors of the elevator, I muttered "well I guess there goes my transfer to San Salvador", without missing a beat, he replied "San Salvador? Ouagadougou is too good for you", immediately breaking the tension amid much laughter. He was a great man, and I was honored to be taken into his confidence for an all too short period of time.
Margie Heinemann-Graziano
June 16, 2011
Hi Marlene and Millie: So sad to hear of Larry's passing. Please send me your address. After Mom passed on, lost all records. Would love to stay in touch, so enjoyed our visit a few years ago. My E mail is [email protected]. 480-832-5355.
Ralph and Jacci Johnson
June 11, 2011
Dear Scott, Drew, and Jason,
It was an honor, privilege and absolute pleasure knowing your dad. Larry was truly a remarkable person, no pretense, comfortable in his own skin and always willing to listen. His passing is not only a personal loss but a tremendous loss for our country! We miss him, he will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We are here for you if you should need us.
Richard Picone
June 7, 2011
Thank you for your service Mr. Eagleburger. You were a true patriot who performed at the highest level. I Would like to have shared a beer with you. They should have broken the mold when you were done. To your family, my deepest sympathy.
Jim Eaton
June 7, 2011
One line in a news report of his death mentioned "a rare neurological disorder."
I have just been diagnosed with one and need his example that the body needs assistance to walk, but the mind still works. Thanks for the lesson
Teresa Rittenhouse
June 7, 2011
I will miss him so much as will conuntless others. He touched so many lives with his humor and caring ways. I have not seen him in 6 yrs but still recount to others of his humor and how he put a smile on my face that day. I know he is discussing politics and making God laugh right now! Mr Eagleburger you will always be a special memory to me. Thank you. May God be with your family at this sad time/
Harold Long
June 7, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting and working for Lawrence in 1992 while at US Embassy in Moscow. I noticed something different in this man that I didn't see in others. This man was for real! One of the best I had the pleasure to work with and meet. God bless!
June 7, 2011
Dear Scott, Drew and Jason,
The Mielke family is so sorry for your loss. Your dad was truly a wonderful man. We are your cousins (Sid and Evelyn Eagleburger Mielke, your great aunt). If any of you gentlemen need anything, please do not hesitate to call us.
Paula Mielke, Tucson, AZ
Todd Goldsmith
June 7, 2011
Having the privilege of being his tailor for the last 10 years gave me more than I could have ever asked for. His advice on business, family, and life allowed me to see him as if I were the 4th son. Thank you for paving the way and allowing our world to be a better place because you were in it. Jason/Drew I'll be your non-blood brother Anytime! 804-216-0195
June 7, 2011
We are truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I’m sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
T. Gates, Stockbridge, GA
June 7, 2011
he lived in Waupun WIS,we were friends when very young. his family left Waupun when his father when to WW2. Curtis Cook now in Mn.
Charles W. VanOrnum
June 6, 2011
My wife Swann Fredrickson and I wanted to extend our condolences to Larry's sons and his sister. I am Larry's first cousin. His mother and my father were siblings in Racine, Wisconsin. I greatly regret that our families grew apart when I was a young teenager and we did not get back in touch over the years. Larry was 6 years older and lived in Stevens Point, Wisconsin at the time. We have followed Larry's career over the years with great interest and pride. He was a superb diplomat and made extraordinary contributions to the nation. His wisdom and sage advice informed many politicians, countries and administrations over the past decades. I have old family photos of Larry's mother and father and sister that I would be delighted to share with any family member who cares to contact me at [email protected]. To his family - we are thinking of you at this time of loss and remembrance.
Bob Turner
June 6, 2011
Secretary Eagleburger was an extraordinary American, diplomat, and human being. I had the privilege of serving as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs beginning in 1984, and on my first day on the job was sent to cover the Secretary's daily staff meeting because my boss was unavailable. I decided that, being new to the job, it was better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak up and remove all doubts. But soon after I arrived the issue arose of legislation seeking to compel President Reagan to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. When I noted that diplomatic recognition and related decisions like recognizing a country's capital were confided to the President under Article II of the Constitution, and that we had all taken an oath to support the Constitution, I found myself facing a room full of scornful faces. Then a deep voice interrupted: "I agree with HIM." It wasn't the only time Secretary Eagleburger saved my bacon.
Years later, he frequently lectured at our National Security Law Institute here at the University of Virginia School of Law. I never suggested a title, because I knew that whatever was on his mind when he arrived at the Rotunda to speak would fascinate the audience. (I was never wrong about that.)
He was an absolutely brilliant man--a principled pragmatist. I learned much from him over more than a quarter century, and held few men in higher esteem. America and the world benefitted greatly from his many contributions, and are lessened by his absence.
My condolences to Drew, Jason,and Scott.
I last spoke with Secretary Eagleburger just last year on the occasion of the passing of his loving wife, Marlene, and I take some confort in the belief that they will be reunited at this time.
PENELOPE GARNER
June 6, 2011
Dear, sweet, funny Larry...
Three times you came into my life,
and each time I learned something very useful and amusing!
When I was just out of college,
you took me around Washington as
a favor to an old friend and showed me how to network using my own Democratic connections.
We had some very proper, but great times then, Larry---you the old Badger and me, Penny, the young Wolverine.
Later, when Yugoslavia was going through its sad meltdown in the early 1990's, you showed me how to help my friends there,
mostly artists and musicians,
find safe haven in the Americas.
Thank you, Larry, for that!
Recently, you and Marlene were my most steady friends and allies when I decided to invest in an organic farm that would host an animal rescue facility, a bit south of your own place, in Nelson County, Va.
Still, your best gift of all was coaching me in poker---and
negotiations. I never will do
your steely-eyed, joke-cracking
poker face as well as you do, Larry, and I'll never do the
cigars at all, but that was one
big deal gift!
I'm sure they have plenty of poker games, cigars, friends and horses in Heaven for you and Marlene to enjoy while the rest of us work our way in your general direction. Be patient with us, Larry. This may take a while!
As for me I'm planning on seeing you all later---hopefully much, much later!
So long until then, dear friend.
Penny
Roy DeHaven
June 6, 2011
He served well and to the best of his ability. God Bless the family.
June 6, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Acts 24:15
June 6, 2011
I knew and enjoyed Marlene in the horse world and was honored to get to know Larry Eagleburger as well. They are together now!
Millicent Chisholm
William Roche
June 5, 2011
My deepest condolences to Marlene,Drew and Jason.Some of the fondest memories of my life were in Yugoslavia working for Larry as his Defense Attache.His wisdom and common sense will be a great loss to the country. My prayers go out to his family.
Joe Masci
June 5, 2011
Mr Secretary, you will be missed. I enjoyed listening to you on TV interviews and agreed with you often.
Peace,
mary hill
June 5, 2011
The man I would most like to have lunch with. ...my all time favorite Washington figure. We were blessed to have him serving as a dipomat.
Mary Hill Concord N. H.
Steve Pieczenik, DAS
June 5, 2011
Dear Larry ---Thank you for having been the most wonderful mentor a young man could ever have had. You brought me into the Nixon Administration when times where very tough and you taught me the lessons of crises management. As always, you will remain in my heart as a dear, dear friend with whom I could laugh, create and most importantly, spend the wonderful ten years in what I consider to be the Eagleburger Era. You are one unique caring tough FSO and you will always remain the best and the brightest of the FSOs. Thank you for giving me a wonderful chance to work with you, Kissinger, Cyrus Vance, Schultz and Baker. God bless you and may you rest in peace. Yours always in thought and action, Dr Steve Pieczenik MD, PhD
Jim Berthold
June 5, 2011
I worked with Larry (as I knew him) when he was on the Canadian desk in DC an we had to dispose of the US interest in the land used for the oil pipe line between Alaska and the lower 48 states. He was always a wise, friendly, and professional associate who treated every one as an equal taught me much about international relations. All my deepest sympathy to his family and close friends. Just felt compelled to express my thoughs.
Pati Pierucci
June 5, 2011
Thank you Lawrence and family for helping my family . You were so kind to us . Blessings to your family ..
alison dickie
June 5, 2011
laugh on Lawrence..I am truly honored to have called you my friend! You will be truly missed!
Nancy Stanton
June 5, 2011
I recently reconnected with Lawrence in email and let him know where my side of the Eagleburger family is. My son Josh is in DC working on his MA in International Service and Lawrence was kind enough to invite my son to contact him. My mother Jane Eagleburger and Lawrence were friends & cousins growing up in Steven's Point. Rest in peace Lawrence, you did yourself and our family proud. Condolences to his sons and family.
June 5, 2011
Dear Lawrence, You were a great man and
friend. I shall miss your wise thoughts
and your candid humor. Pat McManaway
T. K.
June 5, 2011
A Great Big THANK YOU! for your service to the country. Rest in peace.
Patrick Durkin
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Eagleburger. God bless your service to our great country.
R Golay
June 5, 2011
To the the family of Lawrence Eagleburger - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
June 4, 2011
Peace Mr. Eagleburger You funny man....Hank Love Annapolis Maryland
June 4, 2011
Great guy, had a sense of humor that rocked my understanding of such... You had to get to know him ( in which took awhile ) He was one of a kind, in other word a straight flush on top of a full house...I actually painted his house and was welcomed there daily. His son Jason played in the same band in the 90s. I am trying to get ahold of Jason at this time....Please tell him to call me...Hank Love.....757-990-9035 Peace to Mr. Eagleburger
Robert Haw
June 4, 2011
I had the pleasure of flying with Mr Eagleburger on several of his trips as Secretary of State and he was a true gentleman and a pleasure to be around. He treated everyone with respect. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Hank Love
June 4, 2011
Great guy, had a sense of humor that rocked my understanding of such... You had to get to know him ( in which took awhile ) He was one of a kind, in other words, a straight flush on top of a full house...I actually painted his house and was welcomed there daily. His son Jason played in the same band in the 90s. I am trying to get ahold of Jason at this time....Please tell him to call me...Hank Love.....757-990-9035 Peace to Mr. Eagleburger
Steve Spiegel
June 4, 2011
I always enjoyed, (and usually agreed with), Lawrence Eagleburgers "take" on the issues of a given day. No-nonsense and engaging, he always made for good TV. The kind of person I would have enjoyed knowing personally. Thanks to Lawrence Eagleburger for his service to America, and condolences to his family, friends and everyone who loved him.
Joe Finney
June 4, 2011
Mr. Eagleburger was a good diplomat and loved educating people on foreign affairs. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kimtraila Williams
June 4, 2011
To the family of Lawrence S. Eagleburger,
Those who mean the most to us are never really gone. For in our thoughts and in our hearts. Their memory still lives on. So may you find that passing time can somehow help to heal. Those memories will ease the loss. And sorrow that you feel.
Michael Wheat
June 4, 2011
God bless you and your family. We are going to miss you as a mentor and friend. I will miss smoking those cohiba's together.
Please accept our condolences
Michael,Debbie,Stephen and Sidnee Wheat
Patricia Hall
June 4, 2011
He always brought substance to a discussion - a no nonsense kind of guy who could cut through the spin. I'll miss his point-of-view...
Bob Plank
June 4, 2011
Rest in Peace, Mr Secretary. Larry Eagleberger was a true patriot, who worked himself up the State Department ladder to become a thoughtful advocate of rational policies in the confusing, and often contradictory, world of international politics. Sometime blunt, but always clear, he said what he believed and made his points with clarity and with an explanation that the common man would be able to follow. After leaving office it was always a treat to see him being interviewed by the media and always had a smile on his face and a joke or two were usually part of the interview. Mr Eagleberger will be sorely missed and may he rest in peace.
Robin Hamill-Ruth
June 4, 2011
I will so miss our discussions on politics, the state of the country, and the ever present humor. He was a remarkable man whom I feel honored to have worked with and to have called my friend.
Billy Ballowe
June 4, 2011
One of the most level-headed foreign policy thinkers of our time. America will miss him greatly.
Len Eagleburger
June 4, 2011
So sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We recently connected via email and I filled him in on our family tree...May he rest in peace....
M Curry
June 4, 2011
Thank you Mr. Eagleburger...a greatful American.
Victoria&Andreas
June 4, 2011
Our Sentiments To
'LAWRENCE
Finds A Lifetime
of support eager
encouragment..
RIP~Mr.Lawrence
As Christ of Angels
Take care Spiritually
Mike
June 4, 2011
Thank you for your service to this geat country. RIP Lawrence.
Faith Tobin
June 4, 2011
Dear Eagle berger Family hello there my name is Faith Tobin and I'd like to extend my condolences to the Family.luv,Faith
June 4, 2011
My sincere sympathies to Larry's sons and family. I was a high school and U/W-Madison classmate. His parents, particularly his mother and my mother were very close. We traveled to Madison from Stevens Point together many times. I enjoyed visiting him at one of his earlier homes in Charlottesville and enjoyed a non-political friendship with only infrequent contact. Still, I will miss
him. Dick Abb (81), Appleton, WI
Pam Sheppard
June 4, 2011
Secretary Eagleburger and family,
Thank you for your service. I am sorry for your loss.
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