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The article discusses the life and work of U.S. Diplomat Richard Holbrooke who is credited with ending the Bosnian war in 1995. Holbrooke's last official title is said to have been special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Holbrooke is characterized as having succeeded without sufficient government support. Holbrooke's personality, relations with heads of state, and death are described.

Presents the story of Nancy Reagan, the wife of former president Ronald Reagan, during the time of her loss. Her great love for her husband and how she coped with his Alzheimer's Disease. Reaction to the diagnosis of her husband; "The long goodbye," which is Nancy Reagan's term for the loss of her husband from the disease; How she cared for the love of her life during his painful ten years of the disease; How each day she lost a little more of her husband to the disease; Her faith and courage during the various funeral events; Her reaction to the various speakers at the ceremonies.

Presents a pictorial essay of the funeral ceremonies for former President Ronald Reagan with quotes from John Winthrop presented by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor who read the lines at the funeral.

Presents the text of the eulogy delivered by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) at the July 1999 New York City memorial service for his nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr., and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Presents the text of the eulogy delivered by Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, at Westminster Abbey, London, England, on September 6, 1997.

An obituary for writer Gore Vidal is presented.

A eulogy is presented for conservative writer William F. Buckley Jr. who died on February 27, 2008. The author discusses how Buckley transformed the image of conservatism into an intellectual, balanced way of thinking in the 20th century. His work for the periodical "National Review" and the television show "Firing Line" is discussed.

The article comments on the speech made by Bindi Irwin, daughter of Australian environmentalist and host of the television show "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, at her father's funeral. Bindi stated that she wished to help endangered wildlife like her father did. The eulogy at Irwin's funeral was given by the prime minister of Australia, John Howard.

Presents a personal essay in the My Turn feature. Thoughts on the poignancy of people who survived September 11, 2001 only to die in accidents later such as the author's brother; Memories of her brother and how she used them to honor him; Coping mechanisms for the cruelty of a reprieve taken back.

Interviews Cyrus Copeland, author of "Farewell, Godspeed: The Greatest Eulogies of Our Time." Discussion of what attracted Copeland to eulogies; Praise for Adlai Stevenson's eulogy of former U.S. first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Discusses how generic funeral eulogies are sold online. Costs of prewritten speeches by speechwriter Niamh Crowe; Web site.

Offers the author's reflection on the personality of a deceased neighbor called Maxine Smiley. Details of the woman's life, which included a stint in the Army during World War II; Characterization of the woman as a role model.

Presents an excerpt from a eulogy for Leah Rabin, written by Hillary Clinton. Death of her husband, Yitzhak Rabin; Importance of the Rabin family to Israeli politics.

Presents basketball player Bill Russell's recollections of player Wilt Chamberlain, who died in October 1999. Chamberlain's scoring ability; Factors that contributed to his greatness as a basketball player.

Eulogizes `Newsweek' editor Maynard Parker, who died from complications of pneumonia in October 1998. His tenure at the magazine and his dedication to it; Role of his leadership in shaping the magazine; The challenge of publishing the magazine in the wake of his death.

Describes the eulogy by Charles, Earl Spencer, given at the funeral of his sister, Diana, princess of Wales. Eulogy as a tribute to Diana and a denunciation of the press and British royal family; Setting of precedents at Diana's funeral; Spencer's opinion of the press; Earl's defense of himself against the press; Spencer's rage against the royal family.