WE Empower Daily

In Memory of Tim Russert

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Posted by Arabella Santiago on June 13, 2008

Beloved journalist Tim Russert, 58, died Friday, June 13, 2008. Best known as the moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press", Russert spoke at The Women's Conference in 2006. "Time is a precious commodity," Russert said on the main stage. 

At the time of his death, Russert was also NBC News’ Washington bureau chief. Acccording to a breaking news article on MSNBC, "Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s 'Meet the Press' broadcast when he collapsed."

In an official statement released today, First Lady Maria Shriver said,  "Tim Russert was one of my closest friends and he was like a brother to me.  He was not only a professional confidant but a personal one.  He was always the first person to call me whenever anything happened with my family.  And he always called me just to check in and see how I was doing and to encourage me.  My heart goes out to his son Luke, his wife Maureen, his father, sister and entire family.  They were his joy in life; family and faith were everything to him.  He was one of a kind to me and I was lucky enough to have had him as a best friend," said.

MSNBC also said that Russert had recently returned from Italy where he and his family were celebrating the college graduation of his son, Luke. When Russert addressed the crowd at The Women's Conference he told a story about the time he learned that his son Luke got a tattoo — of the letters "T.J.R.", the initials of Russert and his father. Russert said in his speech that Luke explained, "Now you and grandpa will always be by my side."

Russert was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from John Carroll University. He then went on to complete his law degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.

A best selling author, Russert published two books: Big Russ and Me in 2004, which chronicled his life growing up in a predominantly Irish working-class neighborhood, and Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons in 2005, which showcased some of the 60,000 letters that Russert said he received from people in response to his first book. More information on Russert's career and personal life is outlined on Wikipedia.

Russert is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, and their son, Luke.

Our condelences to Tim Russert's friends and family. It was an honor having him share his time and wisdom with us. You can watch his speech on the main stage below.