Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 17th 2008, 7:45am By buffalorising

City of Buffalo
Executive Chamber
Memorial Proclamation

WHEREAS, Tim Russert was a true "favorite son" of Buffalo, New York, and he regularly reminded his family, friends and millions of his viewers on NBC's "Meet the Press" of just how much he cherished the memories of his upbringing in his beloved hometown; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Tim began his career in government and politics by joining the staff of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and later, in 1982, he served New York State Governor Mario Cuomo; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Tim Russert took over the helm of NBC's “Meet the Press,” the longest running program in the history of television, and he interviewed every major political figure in America, as well as foreign dignitaries and leaders, and he elevated the broadcast to the most-watched and most-quoted news show in America; and

WHEREAS, Born in South Buffalo’s Mercy Hospital, the son of a Buffalo Streets Department Foreman, Timothy J. Russert Sr., known by all as "Big Russ," Tim Russert was taught at an early age the value of hard work, discipline and dedication; and

WHEREAS, Those values continued to serve him as Washington D.C.’s “best and most influential journalist,” according to Washingtonian magazine; and

WHEREAS, Tim Russert trained under the tutelage of the Jesuits at Canisius High School and John Carroll University, and later earned his Law Degree at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law where he graduated with honors; and

WHEREAS, On Election Night 2000, Tim Russert proved to the nation that intelligence, wit, political insight – and a dry marker board -- are far more valuable than all the networks’ high-tech bells and whistles combined - proving once again that a Jesuit education has its advantages; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of many awards and honors, Tim Russert received over 40 honorary doctorate degrees from American colleges and universities, won the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association’s highest honor, the Joan S. Barone Award for excellence in Journalism, the USC Annenberg Center’s Walter Cronkite Award, was named by Irish America magazine as one of the top Irish Americans in the country and, this year, Time Magazine named him one of 100 most influential people in the world; and

WHEREAS, His character, devotion, Catholic faith and commitment to his family and Buffalo roots were highlighted in the New York Times Number One best-selling book, "Big Russ & Me, Father and Son: Lessons of Life," which shared with the country what he cared about most, his family; and

WHEREAS, Sadly and unexpectedly, Tim Russert passed away on Friday, June 13, 2008 while at work in his office in NBC News' Washington bureau. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's family, friends and work colleagues, particularly his wife, Maureen Orth, their son, Luke and his father, Big Russ. In fifty-eight years, Tim Russert achieved many well-documented accomplishments, but none was greater than his love of his family and his continuing love affair with the City of Buffalo, its residents and the city's great sports teams, especially the Buffalo Bills. Tim Russert will always be among the City of Buffalo's greatest citizens and his memory will be honored in perpetuity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT I, BYRON W. BROWN, Mayor of the City of Buffalo on behalf of all of its citizens, do hereby proclaim today, Father's Day, June 15, 2008 to be

TIM RUSSERT DAY

in the City of Buffalo, New York, and join with the nation in celebrating the life and memory our native son, Tim Russert and extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, work colleagues and millions of loyal "Meet the Press" viewers.

BY MY HAND and under the Seal of the City of Buffalo on this 15th day of June in the year Two Thousand Eight.

BYRON W. BROWN
Mayor