Our friend and colleague Tom Fuentes passed away on the evening of Friday, May 18, at the age of 63 after a long bout with cancer. Tom was a Senior Fellow of the Claremont Institute, a member of its board of directors, and Chairman Emeritus of the Republican Party of Orange County. Tom also served on the board of Eagle Publishing. He leaves behind a loving family, namely his wife Jolene, his daughter Michelle, and sons T.J. and Joey. "Tom was instrumental in building the conservative movement in California and the nation. More than that he was a patriot, a father, and a man of faith. He will be sorely missed," said Brian Kennedy, president of the Claremont Institute.