Colson spent the last years of his life in the dual role of leading Prison Fellowship, the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families, and the Colson Center, a teaching and training center focused on Christian worldview thought and application.

Colson was speaking at a Colson Center conference when he was overcome by dizziness. Quickly surrounded by friends and staff, Colson was sent to the Fairfax Inova Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. On March 31, he underwent two hours of surgery to remove a pool of clotted blood on the surface of his brain.

At times, Chuck showed encouraging indicators of a possible recovery, but his health took a decided turn, and he went to be with the Lord.

"His wife, Patty, and the family were with him in the last moments before he entered eternity," said the Prison Fellowship statement.

Revered by his friends and supporters, Colson won the respect of those who disagreed with his religious and political views thanks to his tireless work on behalf of prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. Colson maintained that the greatest joy in life for him was to see those "living monuments" to God's grace: Prisoners transformed by the love of Jesus Christ.

And thanks to the work of Colson and Prison Fellowship volunteers across the country, there are thousands of those living monuments among us today.

Mr. Colson's autobiography, "Born Again," first published in 1976, sold millions of copies over the years and in 1978 was later made into a movie starring Dean Jones as Colson. (My wife Norma and myself, were at the Warner Brothers studios in Burbank, California, to watch part of the filming.)

In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize, worth more than $1 million, which is given each year to the person who has done the most to advance the cause of religion.

The Colson family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Charles Colson Legacy Fund. Condolence cards may be sent to Prison Fellowship Ministries, 44180 Riverside Parkway, Lansdowne, VA 20176.

For more information, and to offer your thoughts and condolences to the Colson family, please visit www.chuckcolson.org.