Another icon passes...

Tony Snow

(June 1, 1955---July 12, 2008)

Tony lost his battle with cancer in the wee hours of this morning. What a brave fighter he was!

With that large, contagious smile, big laugh, deft handling of the press corp at the White House, brilliant mind, and so many admirable personal character qualities, this is one man that is going to be severely missed!!

May God strengthen Jill and the kids in the days to come!

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And, let us smile once more as we remember a "Tony moment" in the White House press briefing room. Only Tony could make a press briefing more enjoyable than a regular TV show!!!

Indeed, what a picturesque guy!!

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Now, let's let President Bush conclude this post. I could not possibly improve on what the President says here:

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi. The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts. He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father's Administration. And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer. One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith - and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator."