Robert Novak Has Passed Away [UPDATED]

(Hat tip: Ed Morrissey)

Conservative columnist Robert Novak, a Catholic convert, has passed away.

He was one of the few media pundits whose views earned my unequivocal respect; I didn't always agree with Novak, but I always paid respectful attention to what he had to say.

And although this might not be the time or the place for political recriminations, let me opine for the record that Novak had far greater claim to the mantle of conservatism (not to mention turning out to have been RIGHT) than do some of his two-bit detractors.

Requiescat in pace.


UPDATE (19 August)
Chris Blosser has more at Catholics in the Public Square.


UPDATE #2 (19 August)
Don McClarey offers his thoughts on Novak's passing at The American Catholic.


UPDATE #3 (19 August)
Rich Leonardi pays his respects: "The prince of darkness rests".


UPDATE #4 (19 August)
R.S. McCain: "Bob Novak: One of My Favorite 'Unpatriotic Conservatives'".


UPDATE #5 (19 August)
EWTN's Raymond Arroyo: "My Boss, Bob Novak"


UPDATE #6 (20 August)
Deal Hudson: "A Prince of Darkness Heads toward the Light"


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Robert Novak: "My Brain Tumor"

Deal Hudson: "A Conversation with Bob Novak"

Columnist Robert Novak Hospitalized; Diagnosed With Brain Tumor