John Berthoud, RIP

The cause of freedom lost a good man yesterday. National Taxpayers Union President John Berthoud was found dead in his Arlington home by two staffers. He apparently died of natural causes. He was 47. John was a friendly, fun-loving guy as comfortable and charming at a happy hour as he was fighting on Capitol Hill to keep the leviathan at bay. He died way too soon, and he'll be missed.

Washington Times remembrance and roundup of other tributes here.

Comments

NP | September 28, 2007, 7:52am | #

Natural death at age 47? Poor guy.

Robert Stacy McCain | September 28, 2007, 8:01am | #

Thanks for the link, Radley.

That John was a nice guy -- it's an indisputable, objective fact. I don't think he had an enemy on the planet. Even his ex-wife posted a glowing tribute to him. That's amazing.

joe | September 28, 2007, 9:00am | #

Aw geez, 47.

Condolences.

Bronwyn | September 28, 2007, 9:43am | #

There aren't enough voices of liberty as it is, how terrible to lose one so young.

Timothy | September 28, 2007, 10:28am | #

When I was fresh out of college I interviewed for a NTU job, and Mr. Berthoud was a pretty good guy to talk to, one of the more pleasant interviews I had. The cause of liberty will miss him, the best to his friends and family.

J sub D | September 28, 2007, 11:05am | #

My condolences to his family and friends.

Harley | September 28, 2007, 2:44pm | #

It's a shame.

Paul | September 28, 2007, 7:36pm | #

He apparently died of natural causes.

So they say...

yeah yeah | September 29, 2007, 2:07am | #

Oops -- since John Berthoud supported the concept of "Tax Freedom Day" looks like a scathing critique from Julian Sanchez should be forthcoming. Way to go "pro-liberty" Reason!

Rick Barton | September 29, 2007, 8:51pm | #

I hope his family and friends are comforted by the knowledge that John Berthoud was such a fine champion of liberty.