TIM RUSSERT: DEATH OF A MEDIA LEGEND
Rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, a loving family man, a fantastic journalist--well, we could go on and on praising this icon of modern journalism. What a terrible loss for all of us. In a world of gotcha politics and slanted media, Mr. Russert was a model of what heights fair journalism could reach.
What I will miss most is his willingness to share his faith and values within his work. He was never ashamed to be Catholic; in fact, he lauded his training in Catholic schools and always gave the Church a very fair shake in his coverage. I wish I could have known him personally, because he seemed a genuine, good human being. It's always tough to lose someone we care about. I always liked inviting him in, through the magic of media, to my living room where I was always edified, educated, humored and considered a peer. He really was a giant.
The Catholic News Agency said this afternoon (6/14): Politico.com also reported that during a graduation address Russert gave last year to students at Washington University in St. Louis, he described meeting John Paul II. "As the Pope approached me, you heard this tough, no-nonsense, hard-hitting moderator of ‘Meet the Press’ begin our conversation by saying, ‘Bless me, Father.’ And he took my arm and said, ‘You are the man called Timothy from NBC.’ I said: ‘I am YOUR GUY. Don’t forget this face.’”
Check out this link--Russert as Catholic--for more info on his faith.
May God grant you peace, Tim, peace forever in glory. May the angels take you to paradise. And may you soon start covering those magnificent events in heaven!
****Thanks to Getty Images/Alex Wong for photo
Mr. Russert was a truely alive Catholic. His faith was seen and felt in every part of his being. Publicly and privately. So many of our public Catholic personality's don't have a clue what being a Catholic should mean and what they should stand up for. It took a simply man to remind us all. Some people focuss on death in a sad and dwelling way, I can assure you, a heart like Mr. Russerts is alive in Christ and doing fine. Learn from from his faithful energy and rejoice............
Posted by: Dragonfly | June 27, 2008 at 09:48 PM
No 'obit' for another good Catholic newsman, Tony Snow? I was impressed by BOTH men.
***I knew I would get in trouble. I was on my way to Ireland and didn't have enough time to do the obit. I'll make sure I rectify the problem. He was a great guy.
Posted by: Marlyn | July 28, 2008 at 10:43 AM