Gatewood Louis Galbraith, one of Lexington, Kentucky's best-known political figures, died at the age of 64, at his home on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. According to the Fayette County coroner, Gary Ginn, Galbraith died of complications from chronic emphysema after suffering with congestion in his lungs for several days. Friends reported that Mr. Galbraith has been sick with a terrible cold and that Mr. Galbraith had said it was the sickest he had ever been. A heavy cigarette smoker, Mr. Galbraith suffered from emphysema.
Born in Carlisle, Kentucky, Mr. Galbraith was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. Mr. Galbrait graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington, Kentucky in 1965. A former Marine and a graduate of the University of Kentucky in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977, Mr. Galbraith was a practicing defense attorney and a had ran five-times unsuccessfully for the office of Governor of the State of Kentucky; his last campaign being in November of 2011 when he ran as an independent and finished third, along with his running mate for Lt. Governor, Dea Riley, behind David Williams and Governor Stave Bashear who was re-elected.
Mr. Galbraith was survived by three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith Moldt (Ryan) and Molly and Galbraith, both of Lexington. He was also survived by two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Galbraith was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam.
Less well known than his political efforts were Mr. Galbraith's status as a devoted father and grandfather.
The mother of Mr. Galbraith's children, ex-wife Susan Sears, is quoted as saying 'there is nothing that brought Gatewood more joy...more contentment, more peace, more love or pride than (his) three daughters and...two grandbabies.
Mr. Galbraith's daughter, Molly, was quoted as saying: "He did the most amazing job of telling us how much he loved us and how proud he was of us and that he could not be more thrilled to be our father."
Mr. Galbraith during his five endeavors to reach the office of Governor of Kentucky ran as an advocate for limited government and for legalization of marijuana. Mr. Galbraith was said to have discovered the medicinal uses of marijuana when he was recommended to try it for help with his asthma. He called for marijuana to be licensed and regulated for medical use and felt industrial hemp should be a legal cash crop in Kentucky. He also ran on a platform of ending mountaintop removal, a surface mining practice that uses earth movers and blasting to reach coal. Country music singer, Willie Nelson, threw his support behind Mr. Galbraith in the 2011 election. Nelson is quoted as saying he and Galbraith "believed the same way about a whole lot of things". Galbraith's views included ardent support for personal freedoms such as gun rights and unbridled contempt for big-money politics. In the 2011 Galbraith advocated a plan to give every high school graduate a $5,000 voucher for books, tuition, and fees at any Kentucky college and also campaigned to modernize the antiquated tax system in Kentucky and to end no-bid personal service contract.
Prior to 2011 Mr. Galbraith ran as a Reform Party Candidate in 1999 and as a Democrat in 1991, 1995, and 2007. He also ran as an independent in the 2003 attorney general's race, ran for agriculture commissioner, and was twice a candidate for U. S. Representative.
In 2004, he became a columnist for the Louisville-based alternative weekly, 'Snitch', writing on cases he has handled and debating with other contributors on civil liberties.
Mr. Galbraith authored an autobiography, 'The Last Free Man In America: Meets the Synthetic Subversion' In his book Mr. Galbraith describes his childhood in Carlisle where he caught the political bug as a boy when he attended a 4th of July speech by Governor, Bert Combs. Mr. Galbraith distributed copies of his autobiography at campaign events.
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
Quotes about Gatewood Galbraith at his passing from notable Kentucky politicians included:
"Unlike other politicians, Gatewood told you the truth." - Mike Morris (friend and campaign treasurer)
"He was a gutsy, articulate and passionate advocate who never shied away from a challenge or potential controversy. His runs for office prove he was willing to do more than just argue about the direction for the state - he was willing to serve and was keenly interested in discussing issues directly with our citizens. He will be missed" - Steven Beshear (Democratic Governor of Kentucky)
"One of the most admirable things that could ever be said about someone is that they had the courage to stand up for what they believe. Whether you agreed with Gatewood or you didn't agree with him, I think we can all say we admire the courage that he had advocating his convictions." Greg Stumbo (Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives)
Galbraith was a truly memorable character who loved our state and its people." - Mitch McConnell (Kentucky Senator)
"Gatewood gave us political passion and conviction in a colorful and unforgettable character. He gave us his point of view, unvarnished, unfiltered, and with the best wit and humor we could ever imagine." Jim Gray (Lexington Mayor)
"He was the most colorful individual I've known in Kentucky politics in my life. He did not have a harmful bone in his body. He was a genuinely good person." - Terry McBrayer (Lawyer, lobbyist, longtime friend)
WHAT GATEWOOD GALLBRAITH SAID:
The tall, easily recognizable lawyer who wore a straw hat most of the time attracted supporters with his bold stances, wit, and the entertaining manner in which he described himself, often said of himself; "losing statewide elections doesn't pay worth a damn."
Regarding his numerous runs for Governor, Mr. Galbraith addressed them at Fancy Farm in 2011 saying, "People say I'm a perennial candidate. Well, Kentucky has perennial problems, and if the people who had beaten me had fixed them, I wouldn't have had to run again."
On his campaign website Mr. Galbraith wrote: "My view is that government's role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate, and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws."
In a speech given during a Hempfest rally, Mr. Galbraith said, "and the question of hemp, the question of cannabis, is the most vivid illustration of how this government has overstepped the bounds of policing the private behaviors of citizens."
In a candidate debate on Kentucky Education Television (05/14/2007), Mr. Galbraith noted that 15 states had legalized cannabis. All did so after Gatewood Galbraith began his advocacy on that issue as a candidate for statewide office.
Kentucky has lost one of its most colorful and unique politicians, a man dedicated to his family, the citizens of Kentucky, and his strong personal beliefs.
Approximately 400 family members, close friends, and those they admired Mr. Galbraith joined at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, January 12, 2012 to remember and celebrate Galbraith, weep for him, dance, listen to music, and share their stories. Mr. Galbraiths daughter spoke of their father and recalled their personal memories. An Honor Guard from the American Legion Man O' War Post presented the colors to begin the event. A circle of rope on the floor allowed visitors to throw hats into the ring and a six-gun salute was presented outside for Galbraith, a former Marine. The Other Brothers played music and those in attendance danced. Mayor Jim Gray, who described Galbraith, as 'full of life in every dimension' presented an official proclomation to Gailbraith's daughters. Rev. Mark Davis of Lexington's First Presbyterian Church described the meorial service as a remarkable outpouring of sympany, love and affection for a man who touched many lives and closed the service by stressing that Mr. Galbraith always did what he though was right and added, 'That is quite a legaly to leave behind.'
A more private visitation was held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at a local funeral home. Attendance was said to also be near 400.
Excerpts from:
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 5, 2012
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 6, 2012
Floyd County Times - January 6, 2012
Born in Carlisle, Kentucky, Mr. Galbraith was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. Mr. Galbrait graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington, Kentucky in 1965. A former Marine and a graduate of the University of Kentucky in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977, Mr. Galbraith was a practicing defense attorney and a had ran five-times unsuccessfully for the office of Governor of the State of Kentucky; his last campaign being in November of 2011 when he ran as an independent and finished third, along with his running mate for Lt. Governor, Dea Riley, behind David Williams and Governor Stave Bashear who was re-elected.
Mr. Galbraith was survived by three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith Moldt (Ryan) and Molly and Galbraith, both of Lexington. He was also survived by two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Galbraith was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam.
Less well known than his political efforts were Mr. Galbraith's status as a devoted father and grandfather.
The mother of Mr. Galbraith's children, ex-wife Susan Sears, is quoted as saying 'there is nothing that brought Gatewood more joy...more contentment, more peace, more love or pride than (his) three daughters and...two grandbabies.
Mr. Galbraith's daughter, Molly, was quoted as saying: "He did the most amazing job of telling us how much he loved us and how proud he was of us and that he could not be more thrilled to be our father."
Mr. Galbraith during his five endeavors to reach the office of Governor of Kentucky ran as an advocate for limited government and for legalization of marijuana. Mr. Galbraith was said to have discovered the medicinal uses of marijuana when he was recommended to try it for help with his asthma. He called for marijuana to be licensed and regulated for medical use and felt industrial hemp should be a legal cash crop in Kentucky. He also ran on a platform of ending mountaintop removal, a surface mining practice that uses earth movers and blasting to reach coal. Country music singer, Willie Nelson, threw his support behind Mr. Galbraith in the 2011 election. Nelson is quoted as saying he and Galbraith "believed the same way about a whole lot of things". Galbraith's views included ardent support for personal freedoms such as gun rights and unbridled contempt for big-money politics. In the 2011 Galbraith advocated a plan to give every high school graduate a $5,000 voucher for books, tuition, and fees at any Kentucky college and also campaigned to modernize the antiquated tax system in Kentucky and to end no-bid personal service contract.
Prior to 2011 Mr. Galbraith ran as a Reform Party Candidate in 1999 and as a Democrat in 1991, 1995, and 2007. He also ran as an independent in the 2003 attorney general's race, ran for agriculture commissioner, and was twice a candidate for U. S. Representative.
In 2004, he became a columnist for the Louisville-based alternative weekly, 'Snitch', writing on cases he has handled and debating with other contributors on civil liberties.
Mr. Galbraith authored an autobiography, 'The Last Free Man In America: Meets the Synthetic Subversion' In his book Mr. Galbraith describes his childhood in Carlisle where he caught the political bug as a boy when he attended a 4th of July speech by Governor, Bert Combs. Mr. Galbraith distributed copies of his autobiography at campaign events.
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
Quotes about Gatewood Galbraith at his passing from notable Kentucky politicians included:
"Unlike other politicians, Gatewood told you the truth." - Mike Morris (friend and campaign treasurer)
"He was a gutsy, articulate and passionate advocate who never shied away from a challenge or potential controversy. His runs for office prove he was willing to do more than just argue about the direction for the state - he was willing to serve and was keenly interested in discussing issues directly with our citizens. He will be missed" - Steven Beshear (Democratic Governor of Kentucky)
"One of the most admirable things that could ever be said about someone is that they had the courage to stand up for what they believe. Whether you agreed with Gatewood or you didn't agree with him, I think we can all say we admire the courage that he had advocating his convictions." Greg Stumbo (Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives)
Galbraith was a truly memorable character who loved our state and its people." - Mitch McConnell (Kentucky Senator)
"Gatewood gave us political passion and conviction in a colorful and unforgettable character. He gave us his point of view, unvarnished, unfiltered, and with the best wit and humor we could ever imagine." Jim Gray (Lexington Mayor)
"He was the most colorful individual I've known in Kentucky politics in my life. He did not have a harmful bone in his body. He was a genuinely good person." - Terry McBrayer (Lawyer, lobbyist, longtime friend)
WHAT GATEWOOD GALLBRAITH SAID:
The tall, easily recognizable lawyer who wore a straw hat most of the time attracted supporters with his bold stances, wit, and the entertaining manner in which he described himself, often said of himself; "losing statewide elections doesn't pay worth a damn."
Regarding his numerous runs for Governor, Mr. Galbraith addressed them at Fancy Farm in 2011 saying, "People say I'm a perennial candidate. Well, Kentucky has perennial problems, and if the people who had beaten me had fixed them, I wouldn't have had to run again."
On his campaign website Mr. Galbraith wrote: "My view is that government's role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate, and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws."
In a speech given during a Hempfest rally, Mr. Galbraith said, "and the question of hemp, the question of cannabis, is the most vivid illustration of how this government has overstepped the bounds of policing the private behaviors of citizens."
In a candidate debate on Kentucky Education Television (05/14/2007), Mr. Galbraith noted that 15 states had legalized cannabis. All did so after Gatewood Galbraith began his advocacy on that issue as a candidate for statewide office.
Kentucky has lost one of its most colorful and unique politicians, a man dedicated to his family, the citizens of Kentucky, and his strong personal beliefs.
Approximately 400 family members, close friends, and those they admired Mr. Galbraith joined at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, January 12, 2012 to remember and celebrate Galbraith, weep for him, dance, listen to music, and share their stories. Mr. Galbraiths daughter spoke of their father and recalled their personal memories. An Honor Guard from the American Legion Man O' War Post presented the colors to begin the event. A circle of rope on the floor allowed visitors to throw hats into the ring and a six-gun salute was presented outside for Galbraith, a former Marine. The Other Brothers played music and those in attendance danced. Mayor Jim Gray, who described Galbraith, as 'full of life in every dimension' presented an official proclomation to Gailbraith's daughters. Rev. Mark Davis of Lexington's First Presbyterian Church described the meorial service as a remarkable outpouring of sympany, love and affection for a man who touched many lives and closed the service by stressing that Mr. Galbraith always did what he though was right and added, 'That is quite a legaly to leave behind.'
A more private visitation was held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at a local funeral home. Attendance was said to also be near 400.
Excerpts from:
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 5, 2012
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 6, 2012
Floyd County Times - January 6, 2012
Gatewood Louis Galbraith, one of Lexington, Kentucky's best-known political figures, died at the age of 64, at his home on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. According to the Fayette County coroner, Gary Ginn, Galbraith died of complications from chronic emphysema after suffering with congestion in his lungs for several days. Friends reported that Mr. Galbraith has been sick with a terrible cold and that Mr. Galbraith had said it was the sickest he had ever been. A heavy cigarette smoker, Mr. Galbraith suffered from emphysema.
Born in Carlisle, Kentucky, Mr. Galbraith was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. Mr. Galbrait graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington, Kentucky in 1965. A former Marine and a graduate of the University of Kentucky in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977, Mr. Galbraith was a practicing defense attorney and a had ran five-times unsuccessfully for the office of Governor of the State of Kentucky; his last campaign being in November of 2011 when he ran as an independent and finished third, along with his running mate for Lt. Governor, Dea Riley, behind David Williams and Governor Stave Bashear who was re-elected.
Mr. Galbraith was survived by three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith Moldt (Ryan) and Molly and Galbraith, both of Lexington. He was also survived by two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Galbraith was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam.
Less well known than his political efforts were Mr. Galbraith's status as a devoted father and grandfather.
The mother of Mr. Galbraith's children, ex-wife Susan Sears, is quoted as saying 'there is nothing that brought Gatewood more joy...more contentment, more peace, more love or pride than (his) three daughters and...two grandbabies.
Mr. Galbraith's daughter, Molly, was quoted as saying: "He did the most amazing job of telling us how much he loved us and how proud he was of us and that he could not be more thrilled to be our father."
Mr. Galbraith during his five endeavors to reach the office of Governor of Kentucky ran as an advocate for limited government and for legalization of marijuana. Mr. Galbraith was said to have discovered the medicinal uses of marijuana when he was recommended to try it for help with his asthma. He called for marijuana to be licensed and regulated for medical use and felt industrial hemp should be a legal cash crop in Kentucky. He also ran on a platform of ending mountaintop removal, a surface mining practice that uses earth movers and blasting to reach coal. Country music singer, Willie Nelson, threw his support behind Mr. Galbraith in the 2011 election. Nelson is quoted as saying he and Galbraith "believed the same way about a whole lot of things". Galbraith's views included ardent support for personal freedoms such as gun rights and unbridled contempt for big-money politics. In the 2011 Galbraith advocated a plan to give every high school graduate a $5,000 voucher for books, tuition, and fees at any Kentucky college and also campaigned to modernize the antiquated tax system in Kentucky and to end no-bid personal service contract.
Prior to 2011 Mr. Galbraith ran as a Reform Party Candidate in 1999 and as a Democrat in 1991, 1995, and 2007. He also ran as an independent in the 2003 attorney general's race, ran for agriculture commissioner, and was twice a candidate for U. S. Representative.
In 2004, he became a columnist for the Louisville-based alternative weekly, 'Snitch', writing on cases he has handled and debating with other contributors on civil liberties.
Mr. Galbraith authored an autobiography, 'The Last Free Man In America: Meets the Synthetic Subversion' In his book Mr. Galbraith describes his childhood in Carlisle where he caught the political bug as a boy when he attended a 4th of July speech by Governor, Bert Combs. Mr. Galbraith distributed copies of his autobiography at campaign events.
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
Quotes about Gatewood Galbraith at his passing from notable Kentucky politicians included:
"Unlike other politicians, Gatewood told you the truth." - Mike Morris (friend and campaign treasurer)
"He was a gutsy, articulate and passionate advocate who never shied away from a challenge or potential controversy. His runs for office prove he was willing to do more than just argue about the direction for the state - he was willing to serve and was keenly interested in discussing issues directly with our citizens. He will be missed" - Steven Beshear (Democratic Governor of Kentucky)
"One of the most admirable things that could ever be said about someone is that they had the courage to stand up for what they believe. Whether you agreed with Gatewood or you didn't agree with him, I think we can all say we admire the courage that he had advocating his convictions." Greg Stumbo (Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives)
Galbraith was a truly memorable character who loved our state and its people." - Mitch McConnell (Kentucky Senator)
"Gatewood gave us political passion and conviction in a colorful and unforgettable character. He gave us his point of view, unvarnished, unfiltered, and with the best wit and humor we could ever imagine." Jim Gray (Lexington Mayor)
"He was the most colorful individual I've known in Kentucky politics in my life. He did not have a harmful bone in his body. He was a genuinely good person." - Terry McBrayer (Lawyer, lobbyist, longtime friend)
WHAT GATEWOOD GALLBRAITH SAID:
The tall, easily recognizable lawyer who wore a straw hat most of the time attracted supporters with his bold stances, wit, and the entertaining manner in which he described himself, often said of himself; "losing statewide elections doesn't pay worth a damn."
Regarding his numerous runs for Governor, Mr. Galbraith addressed them at Fancy Farm in 2011 saying, "People say I'm a perennial candidate. Well, Kentucky has perennial problems, and if the people who had beaten me had fixed them, I wouldn't have had to run again."
On his campaign website Mr. Galbraith wrote: "My view is that government's role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate, and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws."
In a speech given during a Hempfest rally, Mr. Galbraith said, "and the question of hemp, the question of cannabis, is the most vivid illustration of how this government has overstepped the bounds of policing the private behaviors of citizens."
In a candidate debate on Kentucky Education Television (05/14/2007), Mr. Galbraith noted that 15 states had legalized cannabis. All did so after Gatewood Galbraith began his advocacy on that issue as a candidate for statewide office.
Kentucky has lost one of its most colorful and unique politicians, a man dedicated to his family, the citizens of Kentucky, and his strong personal beliefs.
Approximately 400 family members, close friends, and those they admired Mr. Galbraith joined at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, January 12, 2012 to remember and celebrate Galbraith, weep for him, dance, listen to music, and share their stories. Mr. Galbraiths daughter spoke of their father and recalled their personal memories. An Honor Guard from the American Legion Man O' War Post presented the colors to begin the event. A circle of rope on the floor allowed visitors to throw hats into the ring and a six-gun salute was presented outside for Galbraith, a former Marine. The Other Brothers played music and those in attendance danced. Mayor Jim Gray, who described Galbraith, as 'full of life in every dimension' presented an official proclomation to Gailbraith's daughters. Rev. Mark Davis of Lexington's First Presbyterian Church described the meorial service as a remarkable outpouring of sympany, love and affection for a man who touched many lives and closed the service by stressing that Mr. Galbraith always did what he though was right and added, 'That is quite a legaly to leave behind.'
A more private visitation was held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at a local funeral home. Attendance was said to also be near 400.
Excerpts from:
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 5, 2012
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 6, 2012
Floyd County Times - January 6, 2012
Born in Carlisle, Kentucky, Mr. Galbraith was the son of the late Henry Clay and Dollie Eliza Gatewood Galbraith. Mr. Galbrait graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington, Kentucky in 1965. A former Marine and a graduate of the University of Kentucky in 1974 and the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977, Mr. Galbraith was a practicing defense attorney and a had ran five-times unsuccessfully for the office of Governor of the State of Kentucky; his last campaign being in November of 2011 when he ran as an independent and finished third, along with his running mate for Lt. Governor, Dea Riley, behind David Williams and Governor Stave Bashear who was re-elected.
Mr. Galbraith was survived by three daughters, Summer Galbraith Sears Dunedin, New Zealand; Abby Sears Galbraith Moldt (Ryan) and Molly and Galbraith, both of Lexington. He was also survived by two grandchildren, Connor Gatewood Moldt and Ella Grace Middleton Sears; his siblings Don Lynam, Liz Whitehorn (Ken), Edna Hancock (Terrell), Hank Galbraith (Judy), Mike Galbraith (Julie), all of Lexington, Tim Galbraith (LuAnn) of Louisville; his former wife and mother of his children, Susan C. Sears; his lifelong friend Kim Eisner; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Galbraith was preceded in death by his sister, Judy G. Lynam.
Less well known than his political efforts were Mr. Galbraith's status as a devoted father and grandfather.
The mother of Mr. Galbraith's children, ex-wife Susan Sears, is quoted as saying 'there is nothing that brought Gatewood more joy...more contentment, more peace, more love or pride than (his) three daughters and...two grandbabies.
Mr. Galbraith's daughter, Molly, was quoted as saying: "He did the most amazing job of telling us how much he loved us and how proud he was of us and that he could not be more thrilled to be our father."
Mr. Galbraith during his five endeavors to reach the office of Governor of Kentucky ran as an advocate for limited government and for legalization of marijuana. Mr. Galbraith was said to have discovered the medicinal uses of marijuana when he was recommended to try it for help with his asthma. He called for marijuana to be licensed and regulated for medical use and felt industrial hemp should be a legal cash crop in Kentucky. He also ran on a platform of ending mountaintop removal, a surface mining practice that uses earth movers and blasting to reach coal. Country music singer, Willie Nelson, threw his support behind Mr. Galbraith in the 2011 election. Nelson is quoted as saying he and Galbraith "believed the same way about a whole lot of things". Galbraith's views included ardent support for personal freedoms such as gun rights and unbridled contempt for big-money politics. In the 2011 Galbraith advocated a plan to give every high school graduate a $5,000 voucher for books, tuition, and fees at any Kentucky college and also campaigned to modernize the antiquated tax system in Kentucky and to end no-bid personal service contract.
Prior to 2011 Mr. Galbraith ran as a Reform Party Candidate in 1999 and as a Democrat in 1991, 1995, and 2007. He also ran as an independent in the 2003 attorney general's race, ran for agriculture commissioner, and was twice a candidate for U. S. Representative.
In 2004, he became a columnist for the Louisville-based alternative weekly, 'Snitch', writing on cases he has handled and debating with other contributors on civil liberties.
Mr. Galbraith authored an autobiography, 'The Last Free Man In America: Meets the Synthetic Subversion' In his book Mr. Galbraith describes his childhood in Carlisle where he caught the political bug as a boy when he attended a 4th of July speech by Governor, Bert Combs. Mr. Galbraith distributed copies of his autobiography at campaign events.
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
Quotes about Gatewood Galbraith at his passing from notable Kentucky politicians included:
"Unlike other politicians, Gatewood told you the truth." - Mike Morris (friend and campaign treasurer)
"He was a gutsy, articulate and passionate advocate who never shied away from a challenge or potential controversy. His runs for office prove he was willing to do more than just argue about the direction for the state - he was willing to serve and was keenly interested in discussing issues directly with our citizens. He will be missed" - Steven Beshear (Democratic Governor of Kentucky)
"One of the most admirable things that could ever be said about someone is that they had the courage to stand up for what they believe. Whether you agreed with Gatewood or you didn't agree with him, I think we can all say we admire the courage that he had advocating his convictions." Greg Stumbo (Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives)
Galbraith was a truly memorable character who loved our state and its people." - Mitch McConnell (Kentucky Senator)
"Gatewood gave us political passion and conviction in a colorful and unforgettable character. He gave us his point of view, unvarnished, unfiltered, and with the best wit and humor we could ever imagine." Jim Gray (Lexington Mayor)
"He was the most colorful individual I've known in Kentucky politics in my life. He did not have a harmful bone in his body. He was a genuinely good person." - Terry McBrayer (Lawyer, lobbyist, longtime friend)
WHAT GATEWOOD GALLBRAITH SAID:
The tall, easily recognizable lawyer who wore a straw hat most of the time attracted supporters with his bold stances, wit, and the entertaining manner in which he described himself, often said of himself; "losing statewide elections doesn't pay worth a damn."
Regarding his numerous runs for Governor, Mr. Galbraith addressed them at Fancy Farm in 2011 saying, "People say I'm a perennial candidate. Well, Kentucky has perennial problems, and if the people who had beaten me had fixed them, I wouldn't have had to run again."
On his campaign website Mr. Galbraith wrote: "My view is that government's role should be to uplift, enlighten, educate, and ennoble the citizen, not oppress them with taxation and intrusive laws."
In a speech given during a Hempfest rally, Mr. Galbraith said, "and the question of hemp, the question of cannabis, is the most vivid illustration of how this government has overstepped the bounds of policing the private behaviors of citizens."
In a candidate debate on Kentucky Education Television (05/14/2007), Mr. Galbraith noted that 15 states had legalized cannabis. All did so after Gatewood Galbraith began his advocacy on that issue as a candidate for statewide office.
Kentucky has lost one of its most colorful and unique politicians, a man dedicated to his family, the citizens of Kentucky, and his strong personal beliefs.
Approximately 400 family members, close friends, and those they admired Mr. Galbraith joined at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning in Lexington, Kentucky on Thursday, January 12, 2012 to remember and celebrate Galbraith, weep for him, dance, listen to music, and share their stories. Mr. Galbraiths daughter spoke of their father and recalled their personal memories. An Honor Guard from the American Legion Man O' War Post presented the colors to begin the event. A circle of rope on the floor allowed visitors to throw hats into the ring and a six-gun salute was presented outside for Galbraith, a former Marine. The Other Brothers played music and those in attendance danced. Mayor Jim Gray, who described Galbraith, as 'full of life in every dimension' presented an official proclomation to Gailbraith's daughters. Rev. Mark Davis of Lexington's First Presbyterian Church described the meorial service as a remarkable outpouring of sympany, love and affection for a man who touched many lives and closed the service by stressing that Mr. Galbraith always did what he though was right and added, 'That is quite a legaly to leave behind.'
A more private visitation was held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at a local funeral home. Attendance was said to also be near 400.
Excerpts from:
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 5, 2012
Lexington Herald-Leader - January 6, 2012
Floyd County Times - January 6, 2012
Bio by: Judi Fryer
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