Heart Health and Eulogy to a Friend: On the Passing of Tim Russert

Although I have few obsessions in life, there is one I can't seem to escape; I am an avowed news junky. Staying abreast of local, state, national and world news is a passion. My wife will tell you, I'm pretty hard pressed to do anything at home without talk shows in the background, or one eye glancing at cable TV except, of course, during the ACC/SEC football season in the Fall. After 40 years of marriage, my wonderfully patient wife still puts up with me.

Tim Russert, host of NBC’s, Meet the Press, was one of the finest political commentators of our time. I never met him but I did catch a flight from Washington National to La Guardia once and he was on the same flight. Even back then, in his early career he was boyish looking and seemed like an unmade bed in appearance. I enjoyed watching and listening to him. It is with a heavy heart we had to say goodbye to him last week. I wanted to mention something here on this blog and touch on some of the lessons learned in Russert’s life and, now, in his passing.

He was a man with an inspired work ethic. His career path was a pure blue collar American success story: He was a regular guy like so many across this great Country. But he was destined for great things in life, too. His early career was in politics. He landed a job as an NBC executive in the late 80's and in 1991, he became the host of Meet the Press, serving in that capacity for the longest time of anyone.

I was one of Russert’s biggest fans , like so many across this great Country, because we all could identify with his background and his love of family, his faith, good fortune and our favorite NFL football team.

He was a loyal cuss wasn't he? We know Russert died doing what he loved—some will say he died working and that would not do the man justice...he died where he was doing what he felt was the most good and he would be the last to call it work. But then, that is only an opinion from a fellow who has been accused of being a workaholic..which of course isn't so.. It wasn't until a while after he died that his cause of death was uncovered—media reports said a heart attack.

A Newsweek report today discussed the fact that Russert had an enlarged heart, which is not uncommon among middle-aged men (he was 58). His autopsy showed coronary blockage, as well....and we now know he was being treated for coronary artery heart disease.

As a person who has been involved in healthcare all my adult life, I can't help but notice that even in his passing Russert leaves the world with a message: it is noble to live life passionately and to love unconditionally your family and Country and what you do for a living...but you need to take care of your health as well. While it is our business in perfusion to help and assist those whose hearts are damaged, we know all too well that lifestyle management and healthy choices can lessen the likelihood of disease and early heart related deaths. And isn't it our hope for all to help to enhance life and its quality for ourselves and our patients?

Tim Russert was a true American Hero and a regular guy...who loved his family, his Irish heritage and Catholic Faith , his hometown, his Rolling Rock , Bruce and the E Street Band and his avocation. If it's Sunday's will never again be the same...What a Country...go Bills...fond fun memories.

Well, one thing for sure....the berries won't be as sweet nor the milk as cold...for awhile yet. Tim Russert—a fine man—we will miss you bud.

Ralph E. Jordan
President and CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.