Christopher Klicka, a long-time defender of home schooling and parenting rights, passed away Monday after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 48.

Klicka served as senior counsel for the Home School Legal Defense Association-- a well-known advocacy group that represents home school parents in court.

He was diagnosed with MS 15 years ago.

"He cared deeply about people, but was also driven to always do more," said HSLDA president J. Michael Smith. "He was the most determined person I ever met in my life. Even with all the things he accomplished every day at HSLDA, he continually wanted to tackle new challenges and serve homeschoolers in more and better ways."

Klicka successfully represented more than 3,500 home school families facing challenges from their local officials and social workers.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy, seven children (ages 11-21, all home-schooled), and parents, Ardath and George Klicka.