On Wednesday, Jaunuary 4, 2012, Kentucky lost one of its most prominent and charismatic political and activist figures - Gatewood Galbraith. Throughout his sometimes controversial public career as a lawyer and author, Gatewood was best known for his ambitious and outspoken advocacy for marijuana legalization, education reform, privacy rights, and civil liberties.

Born in Carlisle, Kentucky, he was one of seven children parented by Henry Clay and Dollie Galbraith. Gatewood studied and graduated from the University of Kentucky (1974) and the UK College of Law (1977) before pursuing a career in law, with focus on criminal law and personal injury civil cases.

Aside from his practice in law, Gatewood was well known for his various writings, speeches, commentaries, and political activism. His many writings and speeches often focused on what he referred to as "Synthetic Subversion" - how the state and country have transformed from an agricultural agrarian society to an industrial synthetic society.

Throughout his career, Gatewood ran for various political offices within the state of Kentucky, including five campaigns for governor. During his fifth run for state governor in 2011, Gatewood closed out with 9% of the vote, losing the election to incumbent Democrat Governor Steve Beshear with 56% of the vote and Republican State Senator David Williams with 35% of the vote.

Through his public service and activism, Galbraith found common ground with many Kentuckians - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. Along his journey, he befriended, and earned great respect from, a wide range of politicians, celebrities, and citizens, proving to be a uniting force amid an all too often turbulent and divisive political climate.

Sadly, on January 4, 2012, Gatewood Galbraith passed away in his sleep at the age of 64 as the result of complications from chronic emphysema. He leaves behind three daughters.

As we reflect upon his life and legacy, we, as those who knew and loved him, understand that his life and character can never be replaced; however, we, as citizens of this great country, can still make a difference by continuing to pursue the inspiring philosophical and political ideologies which define this great Patriot of the United States of America.