It's a sad day in the news industry today, as Tim Russert has passed away from an apparent heart attack. 

I've always respected Tim as a journalist.  He was never afraid to confront people on hard issues, but had the virtue to never be inappropriate (a breath of fresh air in the Internet age).  In a time when so many journalists have become editorialists, and clearly lean to one side politically, Tim always found a way to keep his ethics. I found it funny after a debate he moderated, both the right and left politically cried bias, a sure sign you are fair and in the center.

Each week I listen to Meet the Press on my ipod.  The loss of Mr. Russert on that program will leave a large hole for some time to come.

He was a good man and a great journalist.  Tom Brokaw said it best when he said "He will be missed as much as he was loved".

NBC has set up a message board for anyone wanting to leave condolences.