Christopher Hitchens (1949 - 2011) passed away on December 15th, 2011 at the age of 62. A renowned and celebrated public intellectual, author, and journalist, Hitchens was born in England and was a passionate and devoted contemporary defender of secular humanism. He wrote for Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, The Nation, Slate, and Free Inquiry magazine. He wrote or co-wrote over 20 books, of which the most famous are God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything and The Gospel According to the Apostles: The Blind Ambition That Wrecked an Empire & Reshaped the World. Hitchens was also known for his documentary, Jehovah's Witnesses: Haunted by Tragedy; his highly successful 2008 tour in support of his book, God Is Not Great; as well as his many public debates and appearances on TV shows and radio. He was widely celebrated and honored for his passionate defense of free expression in any form—reflecting his deep commitment to truth and justice. He is survived by his brother, Peter Hitchens; his sister, Sian Hitchens; wife Carol Blue; and his children Alexandra and William. Hitchens will be remembered for his razor-sharp wit, wise intellect, and unwavering courage to take a stand. He will be deeply missed.