The Sun at the End of the Road
=We got the worst possible news on Saturday morning. Our dear friend Tony Fitzpatrick has passed away. He was 66 years old. You will be reading tribute after tribute about Tony in the coming days and weeks. (Tribune obit by Rick Kogan. Sun Times obit by Mark Guarino.) Tony was part of the fabric of Chicago. He was one the most revered authors in the Eckhartz Press family, a renowned artist, a gifted essayist, a lover of dogs and birds, a political force. We’ve been walking around like zombies since we heard the news.
=Here’s what music critic Greg Kot wrote about him…
Chicago lost one of its best today. RIP Tony Fitzpatrick. I met Tony through Steve Earle, whose LP covers frequently became canvasses for Fitzpatrick’s distinctive artwork. Jon Langford also credited Tony with encouraging his own career in the visual arts. Jon and Tony collaborated on a tribute to another one-of-a-kind Chicagoan, Lin Brehmer, at the Hideout in 2023…It was just another uplifting evening in an uplifting life. Raise a glass to a Chicago original.
=Over the past few weeks Eckhartz Press publisher Dave Stern was a constant visitor. Co-publisher Rick Kaempfer visited him the day before he died. Tony was in great spirits, saying he “felt lucky” about his chances of getting the double lung transplant. He had received well-wishes from old friends Tommy Lee Jones and Debra Winger. He had a constant parade of visitors. Although, he also admitted that he might have had an inkling this day was coming. When we asked if the title of his book was his way of telling us something, with a twinkle in his eye, he replied “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
=Just a few days ago Tony posted an excerpt on his Facebook page. Other than posts thanking and glorifying the caretakers at Rush Hospital (which also shows you the man he was), this was the last posting of his writing. It’s one of the bird essays from his book. It’s very Tony.
In Chicago’s Lincoln Park there are a couple of remarkable habitats for Birds, especially Water Birds. I call everything from Ducks to geese to gulls, Cranes and herons, Water Birds. It is just how I think of them. I think the term Pelagic Birds refers to Ocean and Sea Birds, but I could be wrong. What I do know is that it is an amazing place to see Water Birds in the North Pond in Lincoln Park. There and the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond, also in Lincoln Park. There are Black Crowned Night Herons, Green Herons, and Great Blue Herons. You have to look for them, they are good at not being seen. The word stillness comes to mind when I think of these Birds. They will eat whatever does not eat them: Fish, Frogs, Snakes, and CrawDads, are all fair game.
They stand as still as an ice sculpture and wait and then they strike– monkey-fast– at the luckless bluegill for bait fish that enters their radar. I don’t get over there as often as I like. I’m a bit spoiled by the rich plethora of Birds in Humboldt Park, which is beloved to me.
When I do get over to North Pond, I’m almost always surprised by a species or something I’ve never seen before. A couple of years ago I spotted a Virginia Rail. I was there early enough in the morning and got there before every Bung-hole out walking his dog had spooked the Birds away or back into the shadows. I spotted it from about a city block away and at first I was sure it was a small Green Heron; but there was something distinctly different about the beak. It Looked more like a Curlew, or another Water Bird. As I got closer , I realized it was a Rail. I had just seen a painting of a Virginia Rail by the amazing Avian Artist Kristina Knowski, and this bird looked exactly like it. I gleefully congratulated myself for being able to identify the Rail; and at the same time was astonished at just how perfect Kristina Knowski’s Painting was.
If you want to know how a species of Bird actually looks, look at Kristina’s Paintings — she is one of my very favorite Avian Artists. I get lots of compliments about my Bird pieces, and I appreciate them, but if I’m honest–I tend to jazz them up and they are very often rendered in the colors and poses I prefer, rather than what they actually are. Kristina paints Birds as they are — and they are letter perfect and Beautiful. I’ve not ever met her, but I’ve admired her posters for the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival for years . Her work is a revelation.
Water birds are always the most mysterious to me. They are also Birds that give proof of being Dinosaurs that taught themselves how to fly. Do you want to see a Pterodactyl in miniature? Look at any Heron; though they are more effortlessly elegant, graceful , lithe and beautiful; They are every bit as merciless. Just watch one snag a fish. Boom. If you are some crappie or bluegill luckless enough to be observed by one of these Birds? …God forgot you– it’s over. Now, you are chum.
I try to get out and be among Nature more now. I try to shut out the noise and find what is good. This weekend, President Asshole is holding his military parade. The only President in our history as a Republic to ever have one. This overstuffed infant will sit Parade-Side and pretend that his bloated sense of self and the real service of Men and Women in the Armed Forces, are the same thing. There will be protests, and I , in my way, will participate. What is abundantly clear is that we, as a body politic, do not have the luxury of NOT having politics.
What does this have to do with Birds? Probably everything–No administration has ever waged such virulent warfare on the environment as this one. All facets: The Air, the Water, the deforestation and destruction of Habitat are unrelenting. We are losing Birds. In more horrifying numbers every year. Birds are worth fighting for, as are humans, as are all living things. The world will be saved if people show up. So ?… Show Up.
Tony was also a contributor to our book, The Loop Files. His fellow Loopers were devastated at the news…
Wendy Snyder
I’m having a difficult time processing this shocking news. Tony Fitzpatrick and I shared a lot of history. When I made the switch from music to talk radio at The LOOP, he was my first radio partner. We cared a great deal about one another, yet we both sometimes annoyed the hell out of each other. He was like a jerky big brother and I was his bratty little sister. I will never forget the time we spent together. He introduced me to many of the finer things in life…his artwork, my first chili cheese dog, and Penn Jillette. He was tough yet sweet. Blunt yet tender. Creative, clever, and eloquent. One of the most unique individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of calling a friend. My heart just aches for Tony’s wife Michele, his son Max, his daughter Gaby, his siblings, and all of us who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace, my fine friend. ❤️
Garry Meier
Of the new book Tony said this: “here is some of what I remember, some of what I have learned and damn near all of what I love- birds, stories, people and dogs.” How can you not love a guy like that? Tony was also an incredible wordsmith. Often after our conversations I’d write things down that he said so I wouldn’t forget them. He brought the percussion. The only words I can muster right now are…you will be incredibly missed brother. Peace.
Kevin Matthews
Lots of great memories from the Loop days. Uber talented, creative and wickedly funny guy. Sad to hear that Tony Fitzpatrick passed away. Rest easy friend…
Dave Benson
Respect. Tony Fitzpatrick. this guy was Chicago to me. the brilliant, broad-shouldered, no bullshit artist – who could overpower you with grace, beauty and soul – with all the art that flowed from his life. proud to have known him and to have been a friend
Bob Stroud
A one of a kind. He was essential, in his own unique way, to the fabric of the Loop back in the station’s glory days. This saddens me. A good man..
Artie Kennedy
Maybe I’ll put this how Tony would have…..”Ah SHIT, this sucks to hear!” Always an engaging person, you knew when Tony was in a room. My memory bank is working here but first time I met Tony at The LOOP, maybe 1991 or 1992. I said Hi he shook my hand and said “I’m Tony Fitzpatrick…don’t ever fuck with me!” Then he laughed as did I and we got along perfectly ever since. May your spirit rest in peace buddy!!
Dave Logan
A helluva friend and a true Renaissance man. Tony was a fierce warrior in the battle of good vs. evil no matter where the skirmish occurred.
Jeff Hoover
His art. His laugh. His love of quality kills. A legendary character indeed.
Patti Haze
Such a great artist and he was quintessentially Chicago. He could always make me laugh. A good man, indeed.
Jimmy Mac McInerney
Man, this news is a huge kick in the sack. What a great dude. The world is gonna miss him.
Pamela Koltz
OMG! I’m numb. My heart is broken. My sweet beautiful friend
Mitch Michaels Salchow
…..So sorry to hear this sad news! Peace….
Dina Travis Sanchez
❤️❤️❤️
John Fisher
So sad to see this. He was a brilliant artist, and more importantly a good guy. RIP.
Scott Dirks
So sorry to hear it. A real Chicago character. R.I.P. Tony
Kathy Voltmer
Heartbreaking news.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
There will never be another Tony Fitzpatrick.
tony was authentic , loved by soo many for his true self and gritty enough to be immune to muggers.
A fine description