Each of us at the California Republican Party was shocked beyond words when we learned this morning of the untimely passing of Will Smith, Chief of Staff for Senator George Runner.

I came to know Will over the years as someone who made working in politics and government a little easier. His great personality, demeanor, and style were terrific, making him a strong advocate for whatever important idea or issue he was working on that day. We often attended some of the same meetings in Sacramento.

Will's passing is a reminder that life is too short and too valuable to be wasted on the trivial or the negative. Fortunately, Will's example will continue to live on in the memories of his friends, family, and colleagues.