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Jerald F. terHorst passed away this past week. He was a special type of Washingtonian — a man with elevated levels of kindness and integrity.
He was a reporter who was appointed White House press secretary by President Ford, and then resigned less than a month later over President Nixon’s unconditional pardon. Mr. terHorst’s resignation was — and still is — considered a rare act of conscience by a high-ranking public official.
As a young student in a new big city, I had the opportunity to spend some time around Mr. terHorst. I was able to dine with him a few times at the National Press Club. He showed me around, introduced me to the bartenders, and the Washington Post and NY Times reporters. He always introduced me as “my friend Paul”. I really liked that.
He will be missed.
