The country lost a great patriot today. Tony Snow passed away this morning after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered as a great radio and television broadcaster and public servant who believed in the American spirit. His work as President George W. Bush’s press secretary created a new standard which will be hard to match. Tony’s optimism permeated everything he did. Husband, father, family man and friend, he will be sorely, sorely missed. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jill, and three children, Kendall, Robbie and Kristi, who were the center of his universe.

There’s an old boast in the business — that the job of a journalist is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The thing is, we never realized that we were becoming The Comfortable — with good pay, job security, and access to movers and shakers all around the world. We need to cast off our coziness — venture away from safe stories and presumptions and into the wilderness of new topics, new ideas and new sources of information. In that quest lies the possibility of fulfillment and joy — and the hope of keeping alive the text and the spirit of the First Amendment. — Tony Snow, October 16, 2007

With his band ‘Beats Workin’

“Grace, wit and a great love of country.” President George W. Bush, on his radio program today, describing former Press Secretary Tony Snow.

Young Tony Snow

When he was at FOX in Washington, I would often visit with him in his office. You can tell a lot about a man who brags on his wife and children without prompting. Tony loved Jill, completely and unconditionally. I have rarely seen such love in a man for his wife. Her picture and those of their children were prominently displayed in his office. It was as if he was saying, “Yes, what I do is important, but these are the most important.” — Cal Thomas, July 12, 2008

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“Tony Snow’s passing is a national loss. His intellect, his decency and his professionalism set a high standard for conservatives in public service and journalism. America will miss his voice and I will miss a friend.” — Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind.

Tony Snow — June 1, 1955 – July 12, 2008