Senator Tom Coburn’s tearful tribute of Michael Schwartz on the Senate floor in December threw a spotlight on a humble yet fierce advocate for the weak. A pro-life advocate since before Roe v. Wade, Michael devoted his life, intellect and influence to his driving passion: defending the unborn and defenseless.

For many, Michael was not Senator Coburn’s chief of staff, but a friend and model of what it means to love justice and mercy.

Through “the kindness he has shown to everyone he’s encountered, whether to a homeless person on the street or a leading senator in the halls,” Michael reminded Coburn, “that we are all equal, regardless of position, in the eyes of God.”

This past weekend, Michael succumbed after a nearly two year battle to Lou Gehrig’s disease.