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Tim Russert was born in 1950. I was ordained a Jesuit priest on June 18, 1950. Tim died unexpectedly on my 91st birthday, June 13th. He was buried on June 18th at the age of 58. June 18th was also the 58th anniversary of my priesthood. Since Tim's passing, I can't help but reflect on the special relationship I had with Tim. I know that the dates and numbers are mere coincidence, but the impact Tim had on my life and the tribute he often gave me for influencing his life are no coincidence, they are the manifestation of a friendship and affection that live on.
This booklet is a free gift to you from me, the Downtown Priest and the Committee. It is free and there are no solicitations. It is not necessary to respond.
It will help you to remember Tim as I did and open your eyes to better recognize, and, hopefully, emulate how he achieved such success. Tim knew the secret of life and how to live it. He truly is an inspiration on how to accept and enjoy the challenge of life. Anyone who imitates his philosophy will never regret it. Hopefully, you will discover the secret of life and living as so beautifully manifested in the life of Tim. This tribute is written with the hope that all of Tim's friends, family, and all those he touched will be inspired and motivated to enjoy life and be successful. Tim was proof that you do not need to succumb to the world philosophy of power and greed and peer pressure.
You have to earn it
Every Sunday morning for seventeen years, television sets from all over the world were tuned in to “Meet the Press.” Friends of mine would tell me that they had breakfast with Tim every Sunday morning. The smiling face welcomed you and the blue eyes stared right at you. Tim would turn to introduce his guest and then the action began. From that moment on that smiling Irish countenance switched to the business at hand. For Tim, every week was a challenge, and each guest was tastefully and honestly presented for the world to meet. As every guest soon discovered, Tim had always done his homework. People tuned in to him every Sunday as religiously as attending church. He lived in the hearts of many and he still lives in the hearts of everyone who knew him. I have his picture on my desk and it is hard to believe that he has lived his life and now is with the Lord.
Tim's early life in South Buffalo, his Catholic Education, the Jesuit Experience, and his family life are at the core of his success. He was born into a hard working family. He had no special privileges. He was not successful because of others, but was appreciative and generous to everyone who had helped him in any way. He had to work his way through school. He believed in God and went to church. God invited Tim to be His friend and Tim accepted. The same invitation is given to everyone. He was not forced to do any of this — he faced the challenge of life. He loved his family, his faith, his friends, his audience, and his country. This same opportunity is given to everyone, but many fall by the wayside because it is too hard. Tim believed in himself and was not afraid of the challenge of life. For me, it made Tim very believable.
Tim's basic philosophy of life, as taught by his father, was simply “You are not entitled to anything, you have to work for it.” This is a basic truth not only in the material world but also in the spiritual realm. Another reason Tim was believed and trusted was the fact he rose through the ranks by hard work. He was not born with a silver spoon.
Time and time again Tim attributed his way of life to his Catholic roots with his family in South Buffalo. He did not hesitate to give credit to his Catholic education in the grammar schools of Holy Family and St. Bonaventure and his Jesuit education at Canisius High School. Those schools changed his life. He was taught how to read and write but most importantly they taught him right from wrong. After graduation he went to the Jesuit University of John Carroll. He really was part of the Jesuit Experience and he received honorary degrees from many of the 28 Jesuit Universities and Colleges in the United States.
The Downtown Priest Committee
For the past several years I have been promoting the Jesuit Experience through the publishing of my book "Life is a dance, not a dress rehearsal" and the work of the Downtown Priest Committee. Tim was the honorary chairman of the committee [and will remain ever so], but, like everything that Tim did, honorary only meant involvement. He hosted a wonderful publishing party for my book in Washington, DC, and, as usual, exceeded all expectations.
This tribute is my opportunity to simply say thank you to a man that made an enormous difference in my life through his endless generosity and support. I enjoyed his zeal for life and the courage to make a difference. I also want to thank Tim's family, and encourage everyone to stop for a moment and to also say thanks.