Courage, Commitment, and Liberty
In memory of my friend Michael Rebmann
My friend Michael Rebmann was a great advocate for liberty, so passionate in spreading the message to others. We met several years ago as fellow New York Mises Caucus state organizers. Along with Justin Carman, the three of us spent countless hours on Zoom meetings, working tirelessly on our NYMC and LPNY endeavors. Especially during the pandemic, when I was grappling with feelings of sadness from losing friends who didn't share my views, the strength I found through both of them was something truly special.
Michael confided in Justin and me that he had previously beaten cancer and was finally healthy again. He lived his last few years to the fullest, spending time in the great outdoors photographing birds and other wildlife—a passion that truly defined his spirit. When he received the devastating news that his cancer had returned and was aggressive, he was told he didn’t have long to live. But Michael, being the fighter he was, chose to go out doing what he loved.
Despite the physical challenges, he not only made it to the LNC convention in DC, where he delivered Michael Rectenwald’s nomination speech, he also attended Porcfest with the aid of Duane Whitmer, another close friend of his. At the LNC convention, it was a miracle that Michael was even able to attend, confined to a wheelchair as he was. Yet, he found the strength to stand up at the podium to announce Rectenwald's nomination with a heartfelt speech—an act that was nothing short of inspiring.
Even though Duane and Michael’s son were both worried about his health and his desire to go to Porcfest with just an estimated 1-3 months to live, Michael insisted he had to do it—and if he did pass in the woods, he would die doing what he loved.
He made it back from Porcfest, but sadly passed away this week. I knew the odds were slim, but I kept praying he'd miraculously recover as he had in the past. His mind never faded, and we texted and had several calls after he returned from Porcfest. He was a shining example of someone who believed wholeheartedly in our cause, and his determination until the end is something for each and every one of us to admire.
Michael’s last years were marked by both personal and political achievements, but also by his battle with cancer, which he faced with incredible courage. We will miss you, Michael. Your memory will always be a blessing to me.
Video courtesy of C-Span & Ryan Brown
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Michael Rebmann (August 18, 1957—August 15, 2024) was a Libertarian Party activist from New York, who served on the Libertarian Party of New York State Committee from 2021 until his passing. He enjoyed camping and nature photography, always holding onto the hope that one day, New York would pivot from being one of the most unfree states to the freest. His dedication to liberty was unwavering, whether as the Treasurer of the Erie County Libertarian Party or as a campaign manager for local candidates like Charles Roggen and Wendi Szabo. He was also a key organizer for Michael Rectenwald’s presidential campaign, bringing his passion and commitment to every task he undertook.