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    Chet Zarko: In Memoriam


    By Nick, Section News
    Posted on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 11:11:02 PM EST
    Tags: Zarko (all tags)

    Sitting in the political director's office at Cox 2010 campaign headquarters earlier today, hashing over one seemingly life-or-death detail or another, when someone scanning their blackberry shouted "Chet Zarko died?!"

    We jumped on Facebook and Twitter and instinctively checked Outside Lansing and a few of Chet's other haunts (heading immediately to blogs and social networking websites--I like to think the irony is not lost on Chet this evening) scanning for news, hoping to find a reassuring word or some indication the rumor was wrong.

    We know now that it wasn't.  Chetly Zarko passed away over the weekend at his home with, we're told, a book in his hand.  He was 39 years old.

    Chet Zarko was the original Michigan conservative blogger.  When this site was in its infancy back in early 2007 Chet had already been at the game for years.  When Rightys in Michigan claimed three or four "new media" sites to their name, Chet's was the gold standard.  Ditto when there were dozens.  And with over one-hundred Righty Blogs going strong, there was still only one Chet Zarko.

    While many have started blogging since or blogged more actively, there will never be another Chet.  His boldness... his dry wit... his sharp (SHARP) mind... his drive and dedication... his willingness to put in the extra hour to get something right instead of simply getting something first... Chet was the sort of guy the blogging game, the activist game and the governing game could use more of.  

    I mean c'mon, now.  The guy was banned at MichLib, compared (lovingly) to Darth Vader by the Mainstream Media and had the guts and the tenacity to legitimately give Mark Brewer fits.  On handheld camera no less.

    Swung by one of the man's favorite haunts earlier this evening to see if they'd gotten the news.  Over on Michigan Liberal they're mourning Chet, themselves.  No name calling, no vitriol.  A healthy respect and an admiration.  

    Chet was that kind of guy.  He was pointed, he was passionate and he understood the power of his beliefs.  But he was friendly, open and just plain good people.  And everyone knew it.

    I'm going to miss the man as conservative thinker.  I'll miss him as a blogger.  I'll miss him as a researcher and an activist and a standard bearer.  Mostly, I'll miss him as a friend.

    Pouring a little out for you tonight in Livonia Chet.  We'll see you on the other side.

    < A Loss To Our Community | July 2010 Fix Michigan Super Saturday! >


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    Well Said. (none / 0) (#1)
    by JGillman on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 10:56:59 AM EST
    Looking in retrospect, he has shown how much can truly be shaken up in so short a span of life. Also, as I have been scanning different news stories, blogs and have seen one theme; He was respected by all.

    "Sharp", as you put it, was indeed recognized universally.

    Chet knew his stuff (none / 0) (#2)
    by Republican Michigander on Wed Jul 21, 2010 at 07:10:15 PM EST
    Damn. 39 is young, not all that much older than me.

    I didn't know Chet well, although our paths crossed a couple of times. Most of what I knew came from Outside Lansing or Oakland Politics which I checked from time to time.

    The two things I noticed from Chet is that he knew his stuff and stuck to his principles. That's rare in politics, whether it be consultants, bloggers, or politicians.

    RIP Chetly Zarko

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