Robert was a good man - a really good man. And I say "was" because regrettably he passed away over the weekend.

I found out in a phone call from a friend early Sunday morning. I'd spoken to Robert on Valentine's Day for a half hour about Grassroots America things. We cracked each other up, as we always did. I asked him in the last minutes of the phone call how he was doing. His parents had died two months ago and he was dealing with the loss and the issues surrounding the estate. During the week, I had heard exhaustion in his voice. I urged him to find some sleep.

He was a man of action, and very unassuming. Happy to be behind the scenes, he told me on a couple of occasions that if he were to escape the bonds of this Earth, that he wanted no memorial. He just wanted to disappear. I told him that wasn't possible - he was too beloved by too many. We who were left behind would want to remember and celebrate him. He laughed softly and said, "Okay."

And so here we are.

I often told people that he was the engine of Grassroots America, silently running efficiently under the hood, but ensuring that the mission was accomplished. He was persistent, and kind, and had the best sense of humor. He was a man of quiet force - a gentleman protector.

I miss him. He helped everyone. He improved the lives of those around him.

Someone asked me earlier today what we can do in his remembrance. I responded that I think we should double down on our commitment to the cause for which he fought: liberty and smaller government. That's what I will do, and I will remember him as I do just that. He would want us to accomplish the mission.