It is with great sadness that I note the passing, via a virulent cancer, of a friend to so many of us, and an unsung giant of the conservative movement, John Von Kannon. A onetime publisher of The American Spectator (and still listed on its masthead as permanent “Kapelmeister”) and for well over three decades the top development guy at the Heritage Foundation, The Baron, as he was nicknamed, spent his adult lifetime finding financing for the spread of conservative ideas. As he did so, he lived with an unparalleled sense of fun and a phenomenal generosity of spirit. He made friends quickly, regardless of politics, and even those with whom he spent only a relative modicum of time often considered him not just a treasure of a companion but a friend for life. Much more should, and will, be written in his memory. For now, let it just be noted that on Saturday, September 5, the conservative movement, this nation, and a host of people who loved John have lost a rare champion. He has well earned an eternity of God’s paradise.