I will miss Tony Snow ... 1955-2008

"Enjoy every moment you're alive."
Tony Snow

Tony Snow, a gentleman of the press, has passed away. Fox News anchor for 10 years and White House Press Secretary for two years, he was taken away too young at the age of 53 of colon cancer that first showed up in 2005 and eventually spread throughout his body.

Fox News Channel sadly announced his passing this morning on the website and on TV:

"It's a tremendous loss for us who knew him, but it's also a loss for the country," Roger Ailes, Chairman of FOX News, said Saturday morning about Snow, calling him a "renaissance man."

FNC colleagues spoke about him including Britt Hume, his Washington co-anchor while at FNC. Remembrances of his time at Fox as well as his time as a school teachers years ago and working at the White House were relayed by many whose lives he touched. Most said he was fun-loving and light-hearted ... and he said working with President George W. Bush as his Press Secretary at the White House was the best job he ever had.

President Bush has issued a statement expressing his sadness at the death of his friend and former press secretary.

"The White House has lost a great friend and a great colleague," said President Bush's press secretary Dana Perino. "We all loved watching him at the podium, but most of all we learned how to love our families and treat each other."

I will miss his light-hearted way of handling the news and the crushing burden of responding to the press for the White House. One of his co-workers called him "permanently sunny," going on to say he was one of the nicest people he had ever known in his life, with no sense of self-pity after learning of the cancer but eternally optimistic.

Tony Snow showed grace throughout his battle with cancer ... he smiled and laughed most of the time. Even when cancer returned after the initial surgery, his public persona was always hopeful and a reminder to love God, country, and family.

Tony Snow is survived by his wife, Jill, whom he married in 1987, and three children. Prayers to this family for the difficult days, months, and years ahead.

Tony Snow ... we will miss you.