Fox News ... "A death in the family" with loss of Tony Snow

The morning ritual of turning on Fox News Channel to catch up on the latest had sad news Saturday morning: former Fox News anchor Tony Snow had passed away at age 53 in the wee hours of the morning of the cancer that had first attacked him in 2005.

Former President George H. W. Bush, 84, talked on the phone with the show's anchors, expressing sorrow at losing a family friend who worked for him as a speech writer while he was President. He described Tony Snow as kind, generous, a man who wanted to help others including other cancer patients.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush got on the phone to say she remembered Tony Snow being loyal to the core to the people he worked for and with friends.

Former colleague Mort Kondrache was terribly saddened at the loss, calling Tony a down-to-earth person who was a friend and someone who was optimistic and a man of faith who loved his family.

Griff Jenkins, Tony Snow's former Fox producer, remembered his tremendous humility. He recalled the day Tony returned from the doctor with the terrible news of cancer, and that Tony said he needed to tell the audience.

Fox Sunday host Chris Wallace called him the "happy warrior," adding that he was gracious and lived life to the fullest for someone who was 53 years old. Described as a brilliant writer, he added that Tony had a wonderful family, the respect of colleagues and viewers, and always saw the positive side of life. His faith was a part of his life and helped him see the bright side of the good and bad parts of his 53 years on this earth.

Britt Hume worked closely with Tony Snow in Washington, D.C., and did an overview of his life. Tony was one of the original Fox News anchors who helped build from the ground up ... a respected colleague, a man of faith and family.

Jim Angle, Chief Washington Correspondent: Wonderful colleague, wonderful man. In White House job, which is really tough job, he held his own, jousting with reporters while trying to get people to come to an understanding rather than battle with one another. He was only moments away from a smile or a chuckle at anytime.

As others talked about this remarkable man's life, the theme over and over was that he was strong in his faith, strong in his love of family, and extremely optimistic in life.

Tony Snow ... 1955-2008.