Karl Hess, born May 25, 1923 in Washington, D.C., traveled this life joyously as a freedom-loving individualist. He was friends with every one and once answered a Libertarian's question of who were our friends by saying, "A friend is someone who does not call the police".

His 1969 Playboy article, "The Death of Politics," lives on in the Libertarian Party it helped to inspire. Editor Emeritus and creator of the LP News , he set the current style and guiding philosophy from 1986 until his retirement in May 1990.

As the author of articles and books on a variety of subjects, Hess' ability to coin a phrase led him to ghostwriting political speeches. He spoke to millions when Barry Goldwater said, "Extremism in defense of Liberty is no vice; ... moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue".

Hess ghosted for Richard Nixon and they died on the same day.

He lived his life as he wrote and spoke, honestly and openly, with loving kindness shining in his bright eyes. He never failed to inspire those of us who cherish liberty with his words and deeds. He will be missed by all who knew him. He will be missed by those yet to come who will never have the chance to hear his crystal clear answer to the question puzzling them. We can only say we loved him as he loved us. We can only remain committed to the goal of Liberty for all.

Goodbye, Karl. Thank you for being the wondrous person you were.