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Tony Blankley Obituary
Blankley, who had been suffering from stomach cancer, died Saturday night at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, his wife, Lynda Davis, said Sunday.
In his long career as a political operative and pundit, his most visible role was as a spokesman for and adviser to Gingrich from 1990 to 1997. Gingrich became House Speaker when Republicans took control of the U.S. House of Representatives following the 1994 midterm elections.
Earlier, Blankley spent six years in the Reagan administration in a variety of positions, including speechwriter and senior policy analyst.
From 2002 to 2007, he served as editorial page editor of The Washington Times. In recent years, he also wrote a syndicated newspaper column and provided political commentary for CNN, NBC and NPR. He was also a regular panelist on "The McLaughlin Group."
He was the author of two books and a visiting senior fellow in national security communications at the Heritage Foundation.
Born in London, Blankley moved to California with his parents as a child and became a naturalized American citizen. He worked as a child actor in the 1950s, appearing in such TV shows as "Lassie" and "Highway Patrol" and playing Rod Steiger's son in the movie "The Harder They Fall."
Before entering politics, he spent 10 years as a prosecutor with the California attorney general's office.
Blankley and Davis lived in Great Falls, Va. In addition to Davis, he is survived by three children.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
49 Entries
January 9, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences and sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends. May the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such an untimely loss of a very precious life please accept my deepest sympathies. (2 Cor. 1:2, 3).
March 4, 2014
A gracious and respectable person whose work has done so much to bring so much joy to many of us in these troubled times hard to deal with (2 Tim 3;1). More will continue to have positive experiences from a wonderful and impactful contribution to life and its anxieties.
Gary King
August 30, 2012
Really enjoyed listening to him and reading his columns.
How you can show support
Patricia Ferrara
January 19, 2012
Tony will be missed by all who loved him and knew him. What a wonderful man. I will miss him.
Glen Sjoblom
January 18, 2012
Lynda-I have enjoyed knowing you and Tony through your sharing your patriotic speeches at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial. He has been a member of the Friends of the Freedom Memorial. If I can ever be of service to you and your family, I would be happy. Glen Sjoblom, Great Falls 703-430-3714.
Cristina and Linda
January 18, 2012
Lynda,
It was an honor to have met you and Tony and to have shared such a special evening together on the cruise. Tony's brilliance was only surpassed by his kindness and humility. He truly exemplified the qualities that he so admired in Reagan. The nation has lost a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
JC Chamberlain
January 14, 2012
Ode to Tony Blankley
Now you have moved on to shine forever
I wish I could see the faces of the angels you see
Lighted by your torch, by the way you were free
How could we know to what heights you would soar?
To the depths of policy and government you explored
You saw things from a new point of view
That enabled all of us to catch our breath...
...and pause, to look at life anew.
You inspired us on your mission to know more
You stretched your mind beyond a common dimension
Into the realm of leadership with the poise to serve
And through this you brought about in each of us
A newfound sense of worth of competence and nerve
For this we are deeply thankful and stand in awe
Of your life lived fully and courageously for all to see
Lighted by your torch, by the way you were free
Sandy Klaud
January 13, 2012
My condolences to you and your entire family. I am a watcher of Mclaughlin Group and that is how I discovered this tragedy. Too young. I will add Tony and your family in my prayer jar at home and remember him at daily mass. Sympathies,
Ralph Z. Hallow
January 13, 2012
Tony was the class-act of his craft -- widely read, exceptionally intelligent, gentlemanly to a fault, considerate, always available and generously helpful to journalists but, when he felt it necessary, a stingingly effective chastiser of newsmen when he felt they had been unfair to his boss, Rep. (then Speaker) Newt Gingrich. I know from personal experience of having been awakened early in morning to get blasted over the phone by dear Tony, who then ended such vigorous conversations with his typical warmth and politeness and respect. As The Washington Times editorial page editor, he was everything I expect from someone in that job -- and often more. Even when I didn't agree with, say, his foreign policy prescriptions, I loved the logic and eloquence of his argument. I will miss him immensely.
Welene Goller
January 11, 2012
WE cannot afford to have him leave us - that is selfish to say, I know - but we need him so badly. What a voice for everything good in America he was.
Michael Richardson
January 11, 2012
"Prayer and sympathy to the family of a brilliant and honorable sentinel of conservative thought, word and deed. Outstanding journalist, a gifted, stylish voice and a good man. America is diminished by his passing, as am I."
C. Robert
January 10, 2012
My sincerest sympathy to Tony Blankley's family in your loss. I am sorry he was taken from you much too soon. I enjoyed watching him on TV and his gentle smile. May you be surrounded by love at this time.
January 10, 2012
I used to watch Tony Blankley on the MacLaughlin Report, where I was always impressed by his intelligence and style. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to all his loved ones. A.K.Makrynakis
Melody Goll Boatright
January 10, 2012
I had hoped to hear your wonderful political banter till you were 107. it was not in the cards..sadly. Thanks for keeping it classy. I hope you are in Heavenly New Jerusalem enjoying the sights. May the Holy Spirit pour out blessings and peace upon your family. Tony..you have left a big vacumn in everyones hearts. Melody Goll Boatright Kansas City, Missouri
January 10, 2012
He was great fun to watch! A very bright person.
Lisa Biagiarelli
January 10, 2012
With sincere sympathy and love to the family of Tony Blankley. We so enjoyed him on the McLaughlin Group and have missed him and will miss him going forward. He presented his viewpoint with facts, wit, respect for others, and respect for the context of history. He was a true gentleman. He fought the good fight; may he rest in perfect peace. We will remember him fondly.
Roy and Peg VanMeter
January 10, 2012
Tony Blankley was one of our all-time favorite conservative voices. We have missed him on the McLaughlin Group. Blessings to his family. What a great man. Rest in peace.
Cate Catina
January 9, 2012
So sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers!
May you find peace in your time of sorrow and know that he is watching over you and will always keep you safe!
January 9, 2012
Words cannot express how very much I appreciated listening when Tony Blankley spoke. He was a brilliant and courageous man, and this freedom-loving man will be sorely missed. May God bless his family with peaceful hearts.
Susan Clark
January 9, 2012
Words cannot express how very much I appreciated listening when Tony Blankley spoke. He was a brilliant and courageous man, and this freedom-loving man will be sorely missed. May God bless his family with peaceful hearts.
Walt Jakubin
January 9, 2012
What I saw was a very nice man who articulated his positions with class and dignity. Left us much to early, Rip Tony.
jeff gordon
January 9, 2012
Tony was one of my favorite political people.He will be missed for his insightfulness and sense of fair play.My condolances to the family.thankyou for sharing him with us.
Victoria Marr
January 9, 2012
Tony will be sorely missed.. it is my hope the current political pundits and presidential candidates will take a page from the Tony Blankley book of wisdom and raise the bar of integrity and fairness this election cycle. Blessings to his beloved family.
January 9, 2012
Tony Blankley was a man of character and class. He always impressed me as a very intelligent and well informed individual. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.
Sandy Diacogiannis
Allentown, PA
Jim P.
January 9, 2012
Tony Blankley was my favorite panelist on The McLaughlin Group. He showed common sense and civility. I have missed him and will continue to miss him.
C. Ronald Kimberling
January 9, 2012
I am so sorry to see my old friend Tony pass too soon from this world. I have so many memories of Tony from our time in Washington in the 80s, including many of the famous chili & tequila parties he & Dana Rohrabacher used to host. The best cigar I ever tasted was a pre-revolutionary Cuban from a lot of 100 that Tony had bought from a Spanish auction after the Partagas estate had been resolved by the Spanish courts after more than 30 years. I also remember his 18th century copy of Black's Law and the night we searched it for its historical common law precepts about abortion (surprisingly, similar to Roe v. Wade, English law said it was okay till the "quickening" around the start of the third trimester). Lynda--you had a good man and still have him in your heart! God rest you, Tony.
Terry Hogan
January 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all of Tony's family. May he rest in peace.
Leo Cummings
January 9, 2012
My condolences to the Blankley family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Blankley. It is a beautiful thing to see a person who chose to live well. Tony Blankley is one of those who lived well. Dedicated his God-given talents to promoting what was good and right, and exposing the threats to the advancement of morality/the common good. He will be missed, but many of his opinions will still be relevant years from now.
Vanessa Davis
January 9, 2012
To the Wife and family of Mr. Blankley, May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. The things impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:27 & Ps 83:18)
Elizabeth Wright
January 9, 2012
I loved listening to him and reading his columns. He had such insight about our nation, the world, and politics in general. He was a great American and he will be missed.
January 9, 2012
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your love one. May you be comforted by the psalmists words at Psalms 23:1-6.
January 9, 2012
Tony will be greatly missed. He was a worthy advocate.
Rivkah Hyatt
Mobile, Alabama
Kimtraila Williams
January 9, 2012
To the Tony Blankley family,
Forever Remembered
Forever Remembered Forever Missed
Forever in our hearts
Forever in our hearts Forever in our lives
Forever Loved
In memory of a special ...
In loving memory
In loving memory of a very special ...
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again
Your memory will live in our hearts forever
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish you were still here
Beloved Friend
Always in my thoughts
Always in our thoughts
When someone we love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure
Love is a bond of hearts that parting cannot sever, In sprit and in memory love lives on forever
Those we love and lose are together with us in heart, forever with us in memory
In memory of a life so beautifully lived, a heart so deeply loved
They whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before They are now … wherever we are
Never out of heart or mind, just briefly out of sight, for parting cannot take away what time will reunite
Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose All that we love deeply becomes a part of us
Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure
Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure
You have left my life but you will never leave my heart
Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever
Treasured Memories always and forever
Memories... we do not remember the days… we remember the moments
Nothing rooted in love is ever lost, for it has become part of the living whole
Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die
Hold tight to memories for comfort.
Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peace, prayers and blessings.
May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow.
You are in our prayers.
May your memories give you strength.
Remember that we love and care about you.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
When we lose someone we love, it seems that time stands still.
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together. We are with you during this time of grief. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
January 9, 2012
I have missed Tony's input on FNC.We have lost a great American.
January 9, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with your family at this time of grief, and may all your loving memories of Tony stay close to your heart. Psalms 45:1 Joanna
Richard Davis
January 9, 2012
Very sad news. I enjoyed listening to Tony.
neal farncroft
January 9, 2012
cool guy
Jane Dowling
January 9, 2012
God bless you and your loved ones - R.I.P.
January 9, 2012
To the Blankley Family:
In your time of sorrow, may you find comfort in God's word, the Bible. James 4:8 encourages; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you".
My condolences,
SJB.
Cheryl Charlet
January 9, 2012
Blankley Family,
I am so sorry to read of Tony's death. When I watched him on The McLaughlin Group, I appreciated his conservative views and his charming wit. May he rest in peace.
January 9, 2012
You will be missed Tony!!!R.I.P.!!
bob ney
January 9, 2012
To The Family of Tony Blankley
My deepest sympathy and prayers for you. Tony was an absolute gentleman and one of the most talented people in his field. I had the wonderful privilege of being around Tony when he worked for Newt. God Bless Bob Ney
Sandra Tanner
January 9, 2012
You will be missed.
Phil White
January 9, 2012
Tony was always one of my favorites on the McLaughlin Group. Sorry to see him gone, he was a civil voice in an noisy world.
January 9, 2012
My condolences to the family of
Tony Blankley.
Psalms 55:22.
Pfc M. Jacobson, RET
January 9, 2012
While I didn't agree with Tony's politics, he always argued his viewpoints in an incredibly respectful manner.
I'll miss his appearances on Hardball so much! He and Chris Matthews would spar on various topics yet would end their segments with laughing together.
Truly one of the good guys.
tessie mckeon
January 8, 2012
Tony was one of my favorite common sense people. May his soul rest in peace. I'll miss him tremendously.
January 8, 2012
We will miss you! From a big fan of the McGlauglin group.
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