From the Weekly Standard:
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
He was only 41.
I never met him personally, but we corresponded by email on many many occasions. More from Allah, Ed, and Ace. And INCITEmarsh, over at the Pub.
And here’s Hugh Hewitt, saying goodbye to his friend.
You can find out more about Dean’s story here.
Comment by dicentra on 10/27 @ 5:13 pm #
He was lucky to live this long; we are unlucky that it wasn’t longer.
I’m still way bummed, though, because who else had the guts to go on national radio with such a deeply cut Boston accent?
Godspeed Chowda. Let’s hope your work was not in vain.
Comment by happyfeet on 10/27 @ 5:30 pm #
I only know that he made Hugh’s blog better and that after awhile I would read stuff he wrote just cause it had his name on it. I don’t think I ever said anything bad or mean about him.
Comment by happyfeet on 10/27 @ 5:31 pm #
I should spend more time making lists of those kinds than the other kinds I think.
Pingback by Oct. 27th Link Roundup | THE HOT JOINTS on 10/27 @ 5:35 pm #
[...] Dean Barnett 1967-2009 [...]
Comment by Darleen on 10/27 @ 5:52 pm #
I liked his writing, I looked forward to when he guest-hosted Hugh’s show… I love accents!
As someone who lost two first cousins to CF, I know the disease upfront. I must say, though, how extraordinary that so many CF people today can live as long as Dean did. I’m not surprised at his “spunkiness” because that was my cousin Debbie, who died at age 11, but always impressed everyone around her with her gentle, happy manner and fierce will to live.
Comment by easyliving1 on 10/27 @ 5:55 pm #
He seemed like a really decent man.
Comment by JBean on 10/27 @ 5:58 pm #
What an awful battle CF is. What courage it takes to go on.
Rest in peace, Dean, you’ve earned it. Make God comfort your family.
Comment by Sdferr on 10/27 @ 5:58 pm #
I had hoped to meet Dean here in Ft. Myers someday in a chance encounter at a RedSox spr. training game, as I imagined it. Damn me for not having the screws to chase him down back when I knew he must be in town.
Comment by Swede on 10/27 @ 6:14 pm #
I lost my little brother to CF. God bless Dean and his family.
Comment by Spies, Brigands, and Pirates on 10/27 @ 6:43 pm #
I don’t know how I managed to not encounter Mr. Barnett — judging from the universal praise he’s getting from bloggers I respect, I missed out, big time.
My condolences to his friends and family.
Comment by kellymo on 10/27 @ 7:39 pm #
Everything I read by him, I loved. Crap.
Comment by INCITEmarsh @ the Pub on 10/27 @ 7:44 pm #
You spotted him an extra year, Jeff.
Comment by slarrow on 10/27 @ 7:59 pm #
I corresponded with him briefly back when he was still posting as James Frederick Dwight on Soxblog. I’m a Cardinals fan, and we had friendly and fair correspondence back during the fall of 2004 (when it was still pinch-me weird that the Red Sox might win a World Series.) He was always kind and gracious and encouraging, and I always was happy to have known him before he moved up the ladder. Just a good, cheerful, passionate guy. We need more of those.
Been a rotten year: Tony Snow, WFB, Dean Barnett…. Damn.
Comment by dicentra on 10/27 @ 8:34 pm #
Been a rotten year: Tony Snow, WFB, Dean Barnett…. Damn.
Tim Russert
Comment by NukemHill on 10/27 @ 9:12 pm #
S, B, & P: I’m in the same boat. I’ve certainly heard/read his name, but don’t think I ever read anything by him. I’m feeling regret for that.
Comment by Sdferr on 10/27 @ 9:49 pm #
Nukem and SBP, one of the great things about the internets is that archivey function. Go get him, he’s still out there for you, and you’ll be glad you did.