R.I.P. Mr. Russert

It’s always sad to learn of the passing of a fellow journalist. Today’s sudden passing of Tim Russert was especially heartbreaking, days away from Father’s Day — a holiday he gave more meaning through his poignant book on his relationship with his own father, Big Russ.
     As the videotape looped through endless tributes from politicians and his peers, it struck me that this man smiled all the time. (Not and easy thing today with the current cut-throat state of journalism.) Almost everyone commented on his strong faith, too, and how well he lived it. One of his last special moments on this earth was having a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI while visiting Rome to celebrate his son’s graduation from Boston College. They said Mr. Russert would pay attention to all the people under his wings as Washington Bureau chief for NBC. He was the one people would go to right away if they had a problem at home.
     Mr. Russert never gave an interviewee a free pass. He always asked the tough questions, yet delivered them with that same trademark smile.
     It’s a sad day. With the current chaos enveloping all forms of journalism, who could replace him? Would someone coming up through the ranks have the same work ethic? The same respect for friend or foe alike? It’s not certain. What is certain is that we will not see the likes of Tim Russert again.
     R.I.P.