I was walking our dog Jack early today, when a friend, Jeannie Bunton, messaged me that former White House press secretary, family man, and all-around decent guy Tony Snow had succumbed this morning to cancer.

The eulogies have already begun, so allow me a personal note: Whatever your politics—and Tony was most surely a conservative Republican—this was one good dude.

Snow worked in the White House for both presidents named Bush, as a speechwriter for Bush 41, and a spokesman for Bush 43—and both men delivered themselves of warm tributes yesterday. More tellingly, so did several prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“Tony Snow always showed the kindness of his Midwestern American roots,” Pelosi said in a statement sent out by her office. “Whether from the anchor desk at Fox News or behind the podium in the White House press room, Tony showed a deep passion for his beliefs and a remarkable ability to connect with the American people.”

“I was greatly saddened to learn of Tony Snow’s death,” said Reid's statement. “Tony brought great determination to his long career in journalism and public service, and his approach to his battle with cancer was no different.” 

It is always sad when a good man dies in the prime of life, especially if he leaves behind a loving family. Tony’s wife Jill and their three children are in our prayers today. Official Washington is poorer as well. Perhaps because he’d spent half his adult life in newsrooms, Tony was one of those rare public officials with a genuine appreciation for the role the media plays in keeping politicians honest. As he was leaving the administration last year, Tony noted at a breakfast with reporters that many of his colleagues go into the White House briefing room with an attitude, one that helps neither them nor us.

Tony Snow had that kind of simple graciousness about him. He will be missed.