Robert Novak

Robert Novak (February 26, 1931 – August 18, 2009) was a conservative political commentator who wrote an opinion column for the Washington Post. He retired on August 4, 2008, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, and passed away due to complications. The journalist, who frequently appeared on CNN, has published his memoirs, Prince of Darkness: Fifty Years Reporting in Washington.

After fighting brain cancer for more than a year, Robert Novak died at age 78 in his home on August 18, 2009.Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-robert-novak19-2009aug19,0,4381837.story His funeral was held in downtown Washington, D.C. on August 21.The Associated Press, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gm2vrpZzUhmKWB0SCXsmsljWP2cAD9A7C91O1 Novak is survived by son Alexander, daughter Zelda Caldwell, and eight grandchildren.

Novak divulged the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame in a 2003 column, citing "senior administration officials." The source was eventually revealed to be Richard Armitage. Novak was subpoenaed by Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's investigation and cooperated with prosecutors.TheAtlantic.com: The CIA Leak Scandal: A Gallery of Antiheroes (October 25, 2008)

While driving his black Corvette On July 23, 2008, Novak reportedly hit a 66-year-old pedestrian in downtown Washington, D.C.. According to bicyclist David Bono, Novak allegedly hit him and drove off without stopping. Allegedly, Bono chased Novak down and prevented him from leaving the scene until police arrived.Politico: Novak Cited After Hitting Pedestrian (July 23, 2008)

• February 26, 1931: Born

• 1963 Teams up with Rowland Evans for Evans-Novak Political Report

• 1966-2009: Columnist for the Chicago Sun Times

• 1998: Converts to Catholicism

• 2003: Identified Valerie Plame as a CIA "operative" in his column

• 2008: Hits pedestrian while driving

• August 18, 2009: Dieshttp://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gm2vrpZzUhmKWB0SCXsmsljWP2cAD9A7C91O1