Posted on 10/27/2008 1:10:13 PM PDT by Bush Revolution
It's my sad duty to report that our good friend and valued contributor Dean Barnett passed away today. He was a remarkable man--principled, witty, and to all of us, a model of grace and courage. We mourn his passing and cherish his memory.
--William Kristol
(Excerpt) Read more at weeklystandard.com ...
He was way too young. Did he have cancer? Prayers to his family.
H/T hotair: He had Cystic Fibrosis, he was only 41.
Update: Here’s Barnett writing in 2006 about cystic fibrosis.
At one point during my interview, the questioner asked me if I expected to see a cure to CF in my lifetime. I answered no, but that it doesn’t really matter. When you see death up close, a couple of things become clear. One is that we all die, and that death is just part of the deal. The other is that life is such a blessing, that’s it just so great, even though you know the inevitable might be near you still want as many bites of the apple as possible.
None of us know what the future of the salt water treatment might be. My health will maintain its current state indefinitely in the truest sense of the term. The good times could continue for years, or it could all crash tomorrow.
But regardless, this treatment has given me time - time to spend with my wife and family and friends. Time to hit golf balls (usually sideways, but even that’s alright). Time to chase my dogs around the house. Time that frankly I didn’t expect to have. There could be no greater gift, and it’s a miracle in so many ways.
He died of cystic fibrosis. I’ve listened to him a lot when he substituted for Hugh Hewitt on his radio show, and he had a natural joy and vitality, even when he had to know he stood a good chance of dying from his disease. He was a good person.
Rest in Peace.
He’s been fighting cystic fibrosis for his life. Reaching forty with such a disease is an accomplishment. Living with his energy and idealism is truly a life well lived. Requiescat in Pace.
So sad. I used to enjoy his writing when he posted at Hugh Hewitt’s website. Very intelligent and very funny. CF is such a cruel disease.
oh noooo.......
I honor Dean’s memory and lift his family up to God. When someone wonders about the “quality of life” one of these physically challenged children will have, tell them the story of Dean Barnett, and his great miraculous life! Thanks be to God for the miracle of love, and life, and Dean...
Living to be 41 with CF is a real accomplishment! We have friends with granddaughters with the disease...they work closely raising money for CF....it is a VERY WORTHY cause....something like 99% of the money goes into research, and they are making great strides. I encourage everyone to add it to your list of Charities to consider.
Soxbloggah, R.I.P.
Oh, man ... what a bummer. God bless Dean and his family, and I give thanks to God for sharing Dean with us as long as He did.
God Bless Dean Barnett and his family.
Very sad to hear. He will be missed.
God bless him.
Tim, Tony and Dean. All class acts.
Chowdah, you are already missed. I feel like a member of my family is gone.
Prayers to Kirstan and his family.
This is very sad news indeed.
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