John Arthur Lindburg

22 Comments

1. Susan Lindenmeyer Barron
   @

   Your life’s work and kindnesses to others started in High School where you excelled in scholarship, leadership, athletics and community service. Everything you did was with humility and elegance. Was glad to be in touch with you. Wally and I were always in “homeroom” together and are remaining in touch. You will remain in so many hearts and minds.

2. Deborah Ashford
   @

   John Lindburg was a consummate professional. He was a very talented lawyer with a prodigious memory and a unique filing system— in countless stacks of papers on desk and floor, he always found exactly the key document he remembered. And inevitably it was THE key document. Those skills coupled with his unflagging commitment to international broadcasting contributed significantly to the longevity of RFE/RL. In my experience as outside counsel to RFE/RL, I never heard an unkind word, and there were many opportunities to utter them. I have no doubt that the acts of kindness we colleagues witnessed were randomly scattered throughout his day — everyday. That kindness and his wacky omnipresent humor are unmatched. I carry a million dollar bill from John in my wallet and I’m sure many of you do too., along with the business card to “shut up”…….and so I will except to say I will miss you John., and thank you for the memories.

3. Kevin Klose
   @

   John Lindburg was one of a kind——his untiring efforts over decades protecting and strengthening support for RFE/RL and international broadcasting were legendary. His wise advice and counsel to me and the RFE/RL Board of Directors insured the stability, depth and reach of international broadcasting in troubled times. He was kind, compassionate, and truly funny. I will miss our lunches, calls and his missives terribly. Sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him. Kevin Klose.

4. Robert Gillette
   @

   Dear family, friends and colleagues of John Lindburg, I regret that a medical procedure on Monday prevents me from taking part in the online celebration of John’s exceptional life.

   Instead, I’d like to share these memories and thoughts.

   I consider John one of the heroes of RFE/RL. Over decades he helped guide the Radios wisely and with unyielding integrity, in good times and in hard times, and in so doing played a key role in ensuring the Radios’ continued existence and professional management.

   I first met John in 1989, when he was General Counsel for the Board for International Broadcasting – then the presidentially appointed board of RFE/RL.

   Its members then included the Republican strategist Karl Rove, the president of the AFL-CIO Lane Kirkland, and its chair, the conservative publisher Steve Forbes. This was an ideologically diverse (to say the least), smart, congenial board utterly free of partisanship. John’s gentle personality, pragmatic instincts and good humor were perfectly suited to it.

   Later, quietly, behind the scenes, he helped guide the Radios’ move to Prague – which was by no means a foregone conclusion at the outset.

   More recently, as the previous Administration veered toward swamping the governance of U.S. international broadcasting in toxic ideology, John helped crucially to shape the outreach of several RFE/RL veterans to the Biden transition team that resulted in the swift restoration of good order beginning literally within hours of President Biden’s inauguration.

   John and our late and greatly-missed colleague Ross Johnson then worked hard to propose legislation to better shield the Radios from future political storms. Very recently, Congress passed and the President signed a version of that legislation – perhaps not all that was needed, but a step in the right direction, to allow the RFE/RL Board to become self-renewing.

   A few weeks ago I asked John who spearheaded this legislation. He demurred and said, “I have my suspicions.” My suspicions are that he had a hand in it, as a final gift to the Radios that we all care about so deeply.

   Thank you John, for everything.

   Bob Gillette
   (Former RFE/RL Director of Broadcasting)

5. Benjamin Herman
   @

   Since many of you have mentioned John’s deep reservoir of jokes and anecdotes, I thought I would share the one that was perhaps his favorite:

   Attending a glittering official reception at the Palace of the Dawn on an official visit to Brazil, with all the military officers in full-dress uniform and the ambassadors in court dress, UK Minister George Brown made a beeline for a gorgeously crimson-clad figure.

   A colleague later recalled: ‘George said: “Excuse me, but may I have the pleasure of this dance?” There was a terrible silence for a moment before the guest, who knew who he was, replied: “There are three reasons, Mr Brown, why I will not dance with you.

   ‘“The first is that you’ve had too much to drink. The second is that this is not a waltz that the orchestra is playing but the Peruvian national anthem, for which you should be standing to attention. And the third reason why we may not dance, Mr Brown, is that I am the Archbishop of Lima.”’

6. Benjamin Herman
   @

   It has been such a treat reading the reminiscences of John’s friends from all stages of his life, and I look forward to hearing more at Monday’s virtual gathering. In case it is interesting to people, I will share below the remarks I delivered at his 2012 retirement party (I was his deputy for 10 years at RFE/RL):

   = = = = =

   It’s great to have so many people here to celebrate the retirement of John Lindburg. And since for the last nine years I’ve worked more closely with John than probably anyone else has, a lot of people have been asking me what it’s been like to work with him. Well, the truth is, working with John has been a living hell. The violent tantrums, the vicious personal insults, the constant profanity, the late night drunk-dials, the calls from the police station….You don’t know what it’s like sitting in the office next door to him, trying to get work done but having the wall shake because he’s punching it or throwing his chair against it.

   I’m obviously kidding about the foregoing, and I say all that to illustrate what it is that makes John unique in my life and perhaps in yours: It is impossible for me to imagine John treating another human being unkindly. Just think about how rare that is. I think it’s extraordinary.

   A lot will be said here today about what a great lawyer John is, and it’s true. I tried to capture some of his lawyering philosophy in these T-shirts—it’s a philosophy that has informed my own approach and that will serve me well in the years to come: Pragmatism. Context. Patience. Thoroughness.

   But what has meant the most to me for the past nine years, what I think we ought to celebrate most here today, is not John the lawyer but John the person: his empathy, his sensitivity, his wit, but most of all his kindness. Because the truth is, when people ask me what it’s like to work with John, I always say: He is probably the kindest person I’ve ever met.

7. Abelardo L. Valdez
   @

   I am deeply saddened by John’s passing. He was my dear friend for more than 50 years. Early in our friendship, we travelled to Mallorca, Spain for vacation. We shared many lunches and dinners and family events over half a century. He possessed an amazing personality, bringing good cheer for all he met. No matter what was happening in my life, sad or happy, he always inspired me with his wit and wisdom. I wish that I could have enjoyed more time during his last difficult years. I shall miss him every day for the rest of my Life. I know he is in Heaven for he deserves to be there for his goodness and his love of humanity and God!! Rest in Peace, my dear friend!!

8. Steven T Ekdahl
   @

   If everyone were like John Lindburg, peace would prevail around the world and problems would be resolved compassionately and effectively, with humor as part of the process. I don’t think it can be emphasized enough how unique John was in these regards. John could spread oil on troubled waters better than anyone I have ever known.

   I was fortunate to know John for most of my life. John came to Lake Forest High School (Lake Forest, IL) and we met around age 14. We played sports together – football and basketball, and John played baseball. In the summers we played golf at Deerpath. When I think of John, I picture him as he was then, young, athletic, handsome, funny, and smart. John was always a good-looking guy, and he had girls chasing him all the time. One in particular was difficult for him, because she would seek him out as classes changed on an hourly basis. But John had the people skills early that he demonstrated throughout his life, and handled things diplomatically and effectively.

   John was exceptionally successful in high school as he was in life, and once when talking with his dad, (Ernie, but Mr. Lindburg to me), I mentioned John’s awards and achievements. He said, “And you know, no one resents him for it.” And he was right.

   I was also fortunate to see him from time-to-time at Yale, and to make the acquaintance of Don Gastwirth and Denis Gray. Maybe because my birthday is in January, I always remembered John’s January 26th birthday, and gave him a call around that time just about every year to wish him a happy birthday. And in general, we stayed in touch periodically and a little more frequently as we grew older.

   My understanding from John is that he went through quite a negotiation with a Rabbi in Israel regarding putting up radio towers. It was very frustrating, but John noted how the Rabbi effectively used humor in their discussions. While always interested in humor, this caused John to emphasize it more, as many of his friends and colleagues know. He would inject this into our occasional phone discussions, and I urged him to write the jokes and anecdotes down, and he could come out with a book. I often tried to transcribe them after getting off the phone. I told him if he would dictate them to me, I would take them down so I could get them right. Regrettably, he was too busy to do that.

   Frequently, John’s humor came out of his own life circumstances. When John was finishing his schooling, he told me that in his last year at George Washington Law School, he was not feeling well. He went to a doctor and told him his history, that he had graduated from Yale; gone to Caracas for a year on a Fulbright Scholarship; had come back and attended Columbia for a degree in international relations; and that he was completing his third and final year at George Washington Law School. The doctor’s diagnosis was, “There’s nothing wrong with you; you’re suffering from boredom!”

   Separately, at one point we got a card from John, probably at Christmas in the late 1980’s, which explained that he was getting into shape by going to the local Y and playing basketball. However, he said somehow he didn’t feel quite himself. He enclosed a picture of himself shooting a free throw at the Y. The picture was actually an excellent picture of Manute Bol, the 7 foot 6 inch professional basketball player at the free throw line when he was with the Washington Bullets. The effect was hilarious.

   At one point, John came across a poem called “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. It touched him deeply and he sent us a copy. I urge you to look it up on the internet. That poem, particularly the second half, is John Lindburg. John spent his dash well.

   My wife, Carol, and I have been able to visit John in DC several times. After one of our visits, he gave us a tour of RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; rferl.org), regarding which he was General Counsel. John was dedicated to it and its mission of “providing accurate, uncensored news and open debate in countries where a free press is threatened and disinformation is pervasive. RFE/RL reports the facts, undaunted by pressure.” We met some of his colleagues and found that they had put together a T-shirt in honor of John when he retired. Maybe in the attempt to perpetuate him, it is fitting to reproduce what they put on the shirt here, consisting of some of John’s more famous one-liners:

   First we have to find out the facts. Act in
   haste, repent in leisure. I hate to be the skunk
   at the picnic. I don’t want to be penny-wise
   and pound foolish. It doesn’t pass the laugh
   test. It’s like the blind man and the elephant.
   Where you stand depends on where you sit.
   It’s often not what you say but how you say it.
   Washington is a political town. Maybe I’m being a
   Philadelphia lawyer. I mean, what are we talking
   about here? Un-frigging-believable. I’ll be back
   on my meds tomorrow. I’m gonna go brush my tooth.
   As they say in Uzbekistan, “Have a nice day.”

   John’s death has hit me hard. It is said that you are lucky if you are able to count good and trusted friends during your life on one hand. John was one of those friends for me, and I think of him frequently.

   John, farewell, good friend, until we meet again on the other side.

   Steve Ekdahl

9. Sheryl/Sherrie Meinhard Glade
   @

   John Lindburg will remain one of the dearest people in my life. We shared the life altering experience of being imbedded in the culture of Caracas, Venezuela , as part of the Fulbright Class of 1966.

   My personal relationship with John is encapsulated in the memory of catching my only perfect body surfing wave ever, and looking over and seeing John’s face by my side with that wonderful grin of his!

   I am so deeply grateful for the two years of “zoom” calls with fellow “Halfbrights” Rexene Hanes, Norbert Hanus, Ellen Kloehn and John that kept me sane in Wyoming during what I pray was the last worst political crisis for our country. The loss of those therapy sessions cannot be described in words, but the love we shared will survive.

10. Steven M Schneebaum
    @

    I first met John Lindburg in September of 1976, when I was hired by the General Counsel’s Office of the U.S. Information Agency. We quickly discovered that we had overlapped at Yale: I was a freshman during John’s senior year.
    We were among the 4 “young folks” in the small office, and we worked together very closely. And quickly we became friends. We played golf together on many Sundays, and we were regular participants in an informal darts competition that took place in our offices nearly every day after lunch (which we usually had together).
    When I left the office several years later our friendship continued, right up until John’s illness took its awful toll last month.
    Whenever we were able to get together, I came away with new respect for his intelligence, his uniquely quirky sense of humor, (everyone seems to have commented on that!) his kindness, and his unerring integrity, as a lawyer, as a friend, and as a man..
    Every time we met in recent years, John would bring along a beat-up Manila envelope, which contained pictures, or other reminders, from our shared formative USIA days, and which would invariably produce some insight or recollection from him, leading to more conversation and more nostalgia (and usually more laughs). Last time we had lunch together, just a month or so before his death, we mourned the recent loss of our mutual USIA friend Wally Stuart, and we realized that John and I were the last survivors of that wonderfully collegial — and, I would add with all appropriate modesty, very high-quality — legal team. And now that he is gone, I am the sole repository of those cherished memories.
    We were friends for almost half a century. Outside of family, there are few people in my life I have known longer. I will never forget him..

11. Jordan
    @

    John was like a father to me. He was even there at the hospital the day I was born. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have John as a role model in my life. From him I’ve learned about philosophy, comedy, and most importantly what it means to lead with compassion. John carries with him a list of noble qualities, but to me, none more inspiring than his massive heart. He was a firm believer in the power of love and his values have help shape the person I am today. Love you John!

12. Mark Pomar
    @

    John was my friend and colleague.. We worked together at the Board for International Broadcasting many years ago and kept in touch over decades.
    John was truly a wonderful person and I shall miss him dearly

13. Martha Bayles
    @

    This poem by Robert Frost describes how John always responded to a message from me, usually asking his advice. I can hear it spoken in his voice, because he is the one who would always set aside his work to offer help or just say hello.

    A Time to Talk
    Robert Frost

    When a friend calls to me from the road
    And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
    I don’t stand still and look around
    On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
    And shout from where I am, What is it?
    No, not as there is a time to talk.
    I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
    Blade-end up and five feet tall,
    And plod: I go up to the stone wall
    For a friendly visit.

14. Stephanie Schmidt
    @

    Thank you for putting me on the list.

15. John Robilette
    @

    John was a close friend whom I’ve known for forty years and last talked with two weeks before he died. In his lifelong vocation as a public servant, he was that rare person who was idealistic in practically every utterance or written word. He very much believed in cultural exchange as a crucible through which international understanding could be achieved. In the midst of his duties, or before and after, or indeed at any time of the day, his almost professional sense of humor was present. John could tell a story and have people on the floor. But he saw the absurdities, eccentricities and narrow constrictions of government culture without ever losing sight of the big picture and why he was there.; that rare bird who really wanted to make a difference. There are not many who have the gifts of gentleness, clear thinking, humor and dedication all under one dome. “Laughter may be our last refuge,” he would say. For me It is hard to say goodbye.

16. Jennifer Marchetti
    @

    I treasure the many happy memories my family and I have of our dear friend, John. His warmth, lovely sense of humor and innate kindness were rivaled by his intelligence, thoughtfulness and passion for democracy. I loved reading John’s memoirs of his storied career. I thought I understood his many talents having spent time with him over the years, but when I read his story in his own words, I learned there was even more to his exceptional career and life than I had realized. We miss and love you, John.

17. Rexene Hanes
    @

    A person whom I respect and admire once told me that you cannot make “new” old friends. John Lindburg, Norbert Hanus, Ellen (Eliasoff) Kloehn, and Sherrie (Meinberg) Glade, all of whom I met for the first time in 1966 when we were the fortunate recipients of a Fulbright scholarship to Venezuela, and then a two-month trip through Northern South America, after which Ellen and I continued through Central America and Mexico until we reached the United States. It was truly a life-altering experience for all of us, but, as often happens, we lost touch until November 2021, when Ellen somehow found and re-united the five of us. Even after 50+ years of no contact, it was amazing how quickly our friendship re-ignited, how much we still had in common, and how freely we could speak about any and every topic without inhibition. How we will miss those monthly wide-ranging conversations, now that three of our members are no longer with us (Ellen passed away shortly after our first meeting; Norbert on February 8 of this year; and John 5 days later on Feb. 13)!
    John’s last Christmas card (a picture of John beside a huge sign that simply says “Joy!”) epitomizes what he and the monthly calls meant for me and, I believe, for all of us, not only for John’s profoundly appropriate and sharply-honed sense of humor, but also because of his sincere respect for how different circumstances in life can lead to widely differing decisions and outlooks. He never looked down on nor disparaged those who disagreed with him, and that, in my opinion, was the magic of our friend John Lindburg. May he rest in peace! “!Que descanse en paz!”

18. David Berg
    @

    As a Peace Corps volunteer in Caracas I met John in 1966. We hit it off right away. We doubled dated, went to the beach often, sang in the church choir, attended the bull fights and in general stayed out of trouble. He later visited me in L.A. when I introduced him to the future governor of California and had dinner with Arnold and Arnold’s mother. It was one of the happiest moments of my life when I reconnected with John 2 years ago and we shared hours of memories together. You left us too soon John. Your friend David.

19. Dr. Carol Sparhawk
    @

    I remember John’s gentle and ever-present humor, his brilliance; and his complete and continual self-sacrifice to help his friends and his colleagues at Broadcasting., especially during the TrumpAdministration.

20. Craig SPITZER
    @

    As a fellow high schooler with John at Lake Forest High School, my memories, all fond, of John go back quite a bit.
    John was a young man, even at that young age, that made a difference in peoples lives, he most certainly did in mine.
    As during my four high school years I grew from 6 feet tall as a Freshman, to seven feet as a senior. Needless to say, there were some very awkward years in between. As a friend and team mate, he was always positive, and helped me navigate through the already difficult years of adolescence, that were even more complicated due to my awkwardness, and all that goes with being different during those formative years. John was always supportive, and helped me through those difficult times. We remained friends throughout the years, a friendship I shall cherish forever.

21. Clarence Davis
    @

    I don’t think I ever had an exchange with John that I didn’t come away from a better person. After college, I saw him seldom, since I only returned to DC on rare occasions. When I did, I always made it a point to visit with him, and I am left now wishing it had been much more often. John, as Denis suggested, does remind one of some wonderful literary characters. Dobbin, in Vanity Fair, comes to mind, as does Alyosha in Brothers Karamazov. I share his frustration with the course of events our country has followed, particularly the rise in hatred between the clans that have emerged, though I also see these as a consequence of striving toward a better sense of equality that is threatening to many. John also had a strong belief in the dignity of us all, and I shall treasure his memory all the more for it. He certainly enriched all of our lives, and if his life was not so fulfilled as we may have wished, he certainly helped to make all of ours better.

22. Wallis Nicita
    @

    My dear brother was a man who passed through life and made a difference. I will miss him and think about him everyday for the rest of my life. I miss his life-embracing wacky humor, his joy in jokes and – most of all – his sweetness, kindness. and empathetic humanity.. Rest now, John. No one deserves it more. Wally Nicita