We at Breitbart News are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Chip Gerdes. Chip was and always will be a special part of the Breitbart News family; yes, we worked together closely behind-the-scenes on a lot of the big stories you’ve read here on Breitbart.com.
Chip’s contributions not just to our site, but to the political landscape both in Illinois and on a national level, not to mention his integral role in the grassroots and Tea Party movements, will not be forgotten. They came from the heart – a heart with an unlimited capacity for love and loyalty and the source of endless passion and drive to fight for the narrative of this country.
Chip was as clever as he was mischievous – in the good way. And funny. As sad as I am today, I cannot stop laughing thinking about the absurdly hysterical moments we shared – too many to recount.
Chip was also a giver – both personally and professionally. Andrew and I were always thinking of ways to “repay” him. From the silver and maroon, old school Run-DMC Adidas kicks we sent him, to the time Andrew and I took him to see his beloved Alabama play in the Rose Bowl – Roll Tide! For that game, we scraped together the cash to rent a stretch, white Hummer limo, complete with fake electric fireplace and aquarium inside. Why? Because it was so over the top – like Chip could be – and nothing less would have seemed right.
Today, the world lost another good man, and another fighter. We mourn his loss and pray for God to bring peace and healing to the family he leaves behind and who are at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers.
Chip, like Andrew and I, was adopted. As long as I can remember, he would ask us, or our good friends Jon Kahn, Jeremy Segal, and Jordan Liebermann, to please, please let him be “an honorary member of the Tribe.” He said it so damn often, I began to think he was serious. In that spirit, I offer the following English transliteration of Kaddish:
Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
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