I received the sad news today that longtime peace activist Art Gish from Athens, Ohio died in a farming accident.  Information is here. 

Art was one of those guys in Athens that as a conservative Republican you really thought you would hate, but you just could not help liking.  He was nice, respectful, articulate, and principled.  I had many debates with him on the issues of the day, some in public and some in private.  I never agreed with him but always learned something interesting from him. 

Art was a true character and could be found often out in front of the Athens County Courthouse at noon with a sign protesting some issue.  He wrote great letters to the editor either initiated by himself or in response to something he didn't agree with from our side of the fence.

Here's one of my favorite stories about Art.  Sometime in the late 1980's while I was working with a free market environmental group I wrote a letter to the editor advocating the increased use of nuclear power.  Art stopped by my office in the courthouse for a friendly chat about it.  The funniest thing that he said to me that day was that instead of building more power plants Americans should just stop using electricity!  But he believed it and he lived it.

Art was a Christian and a good soul and our world is a sadder place without him.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Peggy, his family, and his many friends.  Reqiescat in Pace my friend.