GDG- FW: CWPT Mourns Loss of Deborah Fitts

[Robert Lawrence]

From: Jim Campi [mailto:jcampi at civilwar.org] 
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 1:12 PM
Subject: CWPT Mourns Loss of Deborah Fitts

 

PRESERVATION TRUST MOURNS LOSS OF 

JOURNALIST AND PRESERVATIONIST DEBORAH FITTS

 

For many years writer served as the voice of the Civil War community

 

(Washington, D.C., 2/18/2008) - The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT)
learned yesterday of the death of journalist, history lover and
passionate preservationist Deborah Fitts, following a lengthy battle
with cancer. CWPT President James Lighthizer made the following
statement recalling Deborah's work and legacy:

 

"Today the entire Civil War community mourns the loss of a truly beloved
figure.  Every individual with more than a passing interest in Civil War
history was aware of Deborah's byline and knew it stood for quality
reporting.  Her monthly work with the Civil War News, and in numerous
other publications, brought the Civil War alive for thousands of people.

 

"Deborah was an absolutely wonderful person and a first rate journalist.
I knew her, both personally and professionally, for almost a decade.  I
have the highest respect, not just for her journalistic professionalism
and ability, but also for her as a human being.  She was unfailingly
fair and unbiased in her work, but still managed to let her passion for
Civil War history and preservation come across in her writing.

 

"Few people know that in addition to her writing career, Deborah also
served on the staff of the Civil War Trust, one of CWPT's predecessor
organizations.  Even once that tenure ended, Deborah continued to
contribute to the cause of preservation in her own way.  She was
unflappable but also humble, and never sought credit for herself.
Instead she strove to educate others about events she found important.
Hands down, Deborah was the best and most important journalist on Civil
War issues, especially preservation.  The entire Civil War community is
much the poorer for her passing.

 

"The Civil War Preservation Trust's Board of Trustees, members and staff
join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to Deborah's husband, Civil
War historian and preservationist Clark B. "Bud" Hall, and to the rest
of her family.  Although she is gone, I know that Deborah's passion for
educating the world about history and its preservation will live in the
hearts of both those who knew her personally and her loyal readers for
years to come."

 

With 65,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield
preservation organization in the United States.  Its mission is to
preserve our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote
appreciation of these hallowed grounds.  CWPT's website is
www.civilwar.org <http://www.civilwar.org/> .

 

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----------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Campi, Policy and Communications Director
Civil War Preservation Trust
1331 H Street NW
Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 367-1861
http://www.civilwar.org <http://www.civilwar.org/>