Dennie Quill, Contributor

Tim Russert's sudden death of a heart attack has provoked in me the kind of sadness and reflection usually reserved for departed loved ones. I believe I am not unique, judging from the moving tributes from people from all over America and beyond who, through television, felt a connection to Tim.

I admired the skill of this late NBC executive and broadcaster, and found his Sunday morning programme, 'Meet the Press', stimulating and informative. I admired him for always celebrating his Buffalo roots and caring deeply about his dad, but I did not know much else about his character. The posthumous remembrances and vignettes have presented the world with the MRI of Timothy Russert, the boy who grew up on the eastern shores of Lake Erie, and I now know that my admiration for this man with the big grin was not misplaced.

The fact that his funeral attracted the elite of Washington indicated that he had earned respect across the political divide, even those who were placed under the microscope by him were generous in their praise, calling him tough but fair.

Health lessons

So what lessons can we learn from one of America's famous political journalists? There are obvious lessons about taking care of one's health. Highly stressed and overweight, Tim also had diabetes. And like many journalists facing the daily grind, he obviously made poor nutritional choices by grabbing what was available as he dashed from one assignment to the other. This may be the time for men with that telltale girth to make some lifestyle changes. Often, it takes the women in one's life to initiate such changes.

But beyond the health lessons, there are also important lessons of life. He was a great husband and dedicated father. He celebrated his father, the garbage collector turned truck driver and sanitation supervisor, and immortalised him in a book called Big Russ and Me. Through some of the emotional tributes, we heard how, despite his enormous work schedule and public obligations, he found time to enquire about other's children and family members.

Jamaican men who have abandoned their children should understand that they ought to play a significant role in their lives. Those who fail to provide proper education and guidance to their children are condemning them to a wretched life. Fathers, godfathers, brothers, uncles, you all need to step up to the plate and be more influential in the lives of the young ones.

Up-and-coming journalists and many veterans can take plenty from Tim's life. All his colleagues talked about how meticulous he was in preparing for his weekly show. Too many of our journalists are content to 'wing it', so they attend press conferences without a clue about the issues or even the participants. The result is a number of half-baked stories leaving listeners, readers and viewers baffled, since there are more questions than answers. Tim Russert demonstrated that preparation, knowledge and a keen sense of history were key ingredients needed to perform the job of interpreter on behalf of the people.

Soft-ball interviews

Another thing, Russert treated his guests with respect by listening to their answers and not cutting them off in mid-sentence. He has been criticised for his soft-ball interviews because he was not abrasive and crude, but I believe the majority appreciated this approach. Journalists in America and elsewhere should hold themselves to higher standards, thus offering up a fit memorial to Tim Russert.

There is another aspect to Tim's life. He gave back to his community with the Boys and Girls Club of American and Catholic Charities being among his favourite causes. Too many of us have attained success and never think of giving back, or trying to lift up others or the communities from which we sprang. By all accounts, Russert was a great mentor to many, he was not content to bask in his achievements and leave others to flounder. He was generous with his knowledge and very helpful to his colleagues.

Tim had a zest for life. He was passionate about his job and he loved people. His friends said he was comfortable meeting with ordinary people. He was called down to earth and regular. The 2008 presidential elections will not be the same without Russert.

Send feedback to denniequill@hotmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.