Randy Brubaker(Photo: Register photo)Buy Photo

Randy Brubaker, a longtime editor of The Des Moines Register who died in May, will be remembered tonight as a "Friend of the First Amendment."

The posthumous honor awarded by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council will be formally announced during the "Celebrating a Free Press and Open Government Banquet" in the Hall of Cities at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The event is a fundraiser for the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, best known as IowaWatch.

Brubaker was a Register journalist for about three decades. In his last role, he oversaw the Register's investigative team and led the information council's initiative to educate the public on open meetings and records law through a series of statewide workshops.

He died of heart failure at the age of 55, two days before he had planned to return to work following recovery from a heart attack.

"He was an invaluable leader, partner and mentor to so many former and current staffers, including myself," Register President and Publisher Rick Green said in announcing Brubaker's death to the Register staff in May. "Obviously, for so many reasons, this is a painful, painful loss."

Brubaker's death came on the heels of the sudden death of his wife, Jan, on Jan. 8. She had been a longtime guidance counselor at Dowling Catholic High School.

Brubaker is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Patrick, along with his parents and other relatives.

"Randy was a fierce advocate for openness in government and spent many hours working with reporters and appearing before the Iowa Public Information Board to further that cause," Register Executive Editor Amalie Nash said. "It's certainly fitting that he is being recognized as a "Friend of the First Amendment," and it's a legacy we are continuing at the Register."

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Register editor posthumously given First Amendment honor