Controversial George W flack was also broadcaster for Fox, others

By Brian Frederick

WASHINGTON, DC (Hollywood Today) 7/14/08 – - “Snow was the best press secretary I had known in 40 years in Washington,” said Vice President Dick Cheney. Tony Snow, 53, passed away at Georgetown University Hospital on Saturday from colon cancer. Snow was diagnosed with the disease in February 2005 and had his colon removed prior to taking the staff position of press secretary for the President of the United States.

“He loved to laugh. He loved his country and he loved his family,” said President Bush. Snow was well known as a conservative commentator for several news outlets and garnered the respect of his press colleagues and Washington insiders. Snow was a speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush’s’ administration.

There was much criticism from his fellow republicans when he was offered a position to work for Bush (W). Snow was not shy in expressing his disappointment with fellow republicans when he felt his opinion warranted it. Snow once stated that, “Bush has become something of an embarrassment.” Regardless, W still offered the position of press secretary to Snow and Snow still took the job. Whatever harsh criticism Snow had for Bush Jr., Jr. had nothing but kind words for Snow, even in death.

“I just hope they (Snow’s family) understand that Snow was loved here in the White House,” President Bush said with wife Laura at his side. It was not clear if the President shared the same feelings for Snow’s predecessor Scott McClellan.

Snow’s mother died of colon cancer when he was 17. He did not let that stop him from pursuing his dreams of becoming a journalist. Snow began his career in print journalism, worked his way into radio and then was offered the position of speechwriter for Bush Sr. Through 1996 to 2003, Snow served as the first host for ‘FOX News Sunday’ and had his own show, ‘The Tony Snow Show’ before taking the position as press secretary. He was a frequent host for Rush Limbaugh’s ‘EIB Network’ in the 1990s. Snow quit as press secretary in September 2007, citing financial reasons and took a position with CNN as a conservative commentator.

The Kentucky native was an avid musician and played many different instruments. He is survived by his wife, Jill Ellen Walker and their three children.