Ken Bacon: a life well lived

Editor’s Note: The Kenneth Bacon (1944-2009) was honored at the 2009 Purpose Prize Summit with an Honorary Purpose Prize. David Cohen contributed this moving tribute shortly after Bacon’s death last summer.

Ken Bacon was an encore exemplar. Ken spent the first part of his professional life as a superb reporter and editor for The Wall Street Journal. He was appointed to a sub-Cabinet office as U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson during the Clinton years.

In his encore career, Ken Bacon headed Refugees International. He brought skill and passion to global advocacy in helping the displaced. He had empathy for others. He recognized that his family members were refugees when they came to the United States before we were a country. That journey occurred in the 1630s.

I knew Ken slightly from his days at The Wall Street Journal. He would
occasionally call me for some perspective on money in politics when he was writing about the banking industry. We were not intimates. He was always the complete professional.

Ken served two Secretaries of Defense with dedication and verve. His record of outstanding public service was respected by all. He was one public official who owned up to his mistakes right away.

Ken inherited the powerful organizational legacy of Refugees International. The organization began by helping refugees who were escaping from totalitarian countries – first Nazi Germany, followed by the Communist countries and then others in Asia and Africa.

Under Ken’s leadership, Refugees International adapted to rapidly changing conditions. He worked effectively to help those who were victims of ethnic conflicts. Ken’s leadership soon moved into the world of drought and climate change, which caused tremendous displacement, particularly in parts of Africa.

Ken always found ways to contribute. Shortly before his death, The Wall Street Journal reported that he had endowed a program at Refugees International to focus on people displaced by climate change.

We should recognize the contributions of people in their encore lives and careers who make a difference, who have high social purpose and impact, who always try and never give up. These are lives that continue to be well lived. They should be honored. Ken Bacon stands out as an exemplar.

David Cohen is a senior fellow with Civic Ventures and president of Global Integrity.