After hearing the sad news last Friday that Tim Russert collapsed and died in the NBC D.C. bureau, I became fascinated with his life. While interning at Hardball with Chris Matthews during the fall of my senior year, I had the opportunity to briefly meet Tim. I always remember him smiling, because any other time after that, no matter what would be going on, he’d smile. I never really caught on to what a happy person, and also what a brilliant role model he is, especially to journalists.

NBC Studios

Newsweek had a great article on Russert in their last issue. It spoke about his unending thirst for information, passion for politics and love of his faith and family. It was so funny, because the more I read, the more I saw how easily it was to relate to him. Raised with Jesuit beliefs, Roman Catholic Russert worked at his Church rectory in high school, just like I did and he grew up loving his Buffalo Bills, much like me and my Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my best friends frequently saw him at Chef Geoff’s, the neighborhood burger joint (NBC’s offices are right near American University), having his signature Rolling Rock and a burger, just like a normal guy.

Although I only saw few full episodes of Meet the Press, the rest I saw as snippets as I got ready to go to Church Sunday mornings during college or perhaps saw as clips on the next day’s evening news. Russert’s enthusiasm was admirable and his passion was evident.

Perhaps what I plan to remember from Russert’s legacy was how being a major news bureau chief in a crazy world, he never left his faith. His Catholicism was something he never tried to push on anyone, it was just a big part of who he is. He never forgot where he came from; he always remembered his roots. So as I continue to pursue a journalism career, I can only hope that I can achieve the greatness that Tim emanated, through that infectious smile.

For those of you interested, here’s a link from our local NBC station here in D.C. about the funeral and memorial service that took place today in Georgetown: http://www.nbc4.com/news/16640489/detail.html?dl=mainclick
It was crazy to see Barack Obama and John McCain sitting together in Holy Trinity Church. His son Luke, who’s my age, gave a wonderful speech at the Kennedy Center. It was admirable for someone who’s only 22 to remain as composed as he did.

To all of you journalists out there, honor Tim’s memory this weekend. Go to your respective church, have a beer, or just hug your family.