Perhaps like me, you didn't know a lot about Tim Russert before he passed away earlier this month on June 13, 2008.  Yes, I had seen him a few times on Sunday mornings hosting Meet The Press.  However, I had no idea all that this one man was, and all that he did while he was alive.  In a most wonderful way, because Tim Russert touched so many lives, there is also no telling how much more he will continue to positively impact everyone who knew him, worked with him and/or for him, or even knew a little bit about him.

 

Similar to that moment that everyone remembers when John F. Kennedy died in 1964, countless numbers of people will remember where they were or what they were doing when they heard that NBC Bureau Chief, Tim Russert, had suddenly collapsed and died at work.  I was in my car at a stoplight when my PDA vibrated indicating that I had a new e-mail message.  I shared in disbelief with thousands of other people that Tim Russert was gone.  I didn't have the good fortune of ever meeting Mr. Russert, but I am deeply moved by his passing because of all that I have learned about him in the few days since he died. 

 

Although I do not watch much television, I was glued to the t.v. set watching the media coverage of Tim Russert's life.  He was an outstanding journalist, a devoted son to Big Russ (his father), a loving parent to Luke, his son, and husband to his wife, Maureen Orth.  Tim Russert was a most reverent Catholic, a terrific boss and an incredible mentor to those whom he guided and encouraged along the way.  He was a remarkable human being, and in a single phrase, he loved life!  Listening to the various people who were interviewed following Tim's death talk about their experiences working with Tim or learning from him by watching him in action was so inspiring.  They spoke about his tireless efforts to research and prepare for interviews of those who were scheduled as guests on his upcoming Sunday morning show.  Tim Russert wanted to know all that he could about that person's history, views and accomplishments, as well as their missteps, in order to get to the truth.  Tim's colleagues told about Tim's true fairness in conducting his interviews to give the interviewee an opportunity to present their answer fully and without interrupting them, unlike many political pundits who seem to use the interview as a battleground where they must attack the enemy.  Yes, his professional work ethic and research are unparalleled and will be most challenging to emulate by whomever is named to replace Tim as the host of Meet The Press.