The news over the past weekend was dominated by the death of newsman, reporter and political analyst Tim Russert. Apart from the shock of Russert's death at the untimely age of 58, he was lauded for being the consummate journalist, as well as an inspirational co-worker and compassionate friend.

While many of the talking heads on cable television make claims about being fair, balanced and probing, Russert was all those things and more. He brought an Everyman's sensibility to "Meet The Press," the Sunday morning news program he hosted for the past 16 years.

Politicians from across the spectrum were generally nervous about appearing on Russert's show, but even some of the most partisan politicians noted last weekend that while Russert was tough, he was fair. He was noted for being extremely well-prepared and, simply, held politicians to account — for their actions, for their words, and for any inconsistencies in their record or quoted words.

As one letter writer to the Butler Eagle noted, Sunday mornings will not be the same without Russert sitting behind his desk and asking some politician to explain a policy or defend an action.

Though he rubbed shoulders with the most powerful people in the United States and the world, Russert remained a man of the people. He often boasted of his blue-collar upbringing in Buffalo, N.Y.

It was sadly ironic that Russert would die over Father's Day weekend. In addition to his work as a journalist, he had gained acclaim for his book about his father, "Big Russ and me: Father and Son:Lessons of Life," and the earlier "Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons."

And his elderly father, whom Russert had just recently moved to a senior living center, was said to be the journalist's touchstone, meaning that he intended those he interviewed to explain things in ways that the average person could understand. He reportedly spoke with his father daily.

His 22-year-old son, Luke, spoke with Russert daily, sometimes several times a day. They talked about politics, sports and life in general. That closeness led Luke to note, "There's not a day that goes by that I have not known my father loves me."

Russert also was praised by his co-workers and colleagues for not only his in-depth preparation, but for his love of the work. His fascination with politics was blended with a morality rooted in his Jesuit education, college and law school years. And his love of politics and politicians was born in his early years working for the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y. and former Democratic New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.

Russert's passion for, and seriousness approach to, his work and his belief that politicians should be held accountable fitted his blue-collar upbringing. Russert's authenticity came through the television screen, along with his wide smile and the twinkle in his eye.

And the passion for his work was infectious, leading many Washington journalists last weekend to credit Russert with advancing their careers.

During a tribute show last Sunday, during the regular broadcast time of "Meet the Press," a tape of last year's mid-June show was played, featuring Russert saying, "That's all for today. We'll be back next week. If it's Sunday, it's 'Meet the Press.' Happy Father's Day, especially to Big Russ up in Buffalo. And Luke — I'm real proud to be your dad."

That pretty much says it all. Russert did an important job, informing the American people about politics and politicians. And he loved that job, but it was family and friends (and fathers and sons) that he loved most.

The lessons Tim Russert taught and the life that he lived should not be forgotten.