It came as a shock when I heard about Tim Russert’s passing at the young age of 58.

He was doing what he loved, living a life following his passion when he was suddenly taken. In a blink of an eye he was gone. I had only seen “Face the Nation” a handful of times through the years. But I felt as if I had a personal relationship with Tim Russert.

Why was he special?

In a world full of well rehearsed actors playing at the game of journalism, Tim was the real deal. The natural passion and love he had for what he was doing was not artificially subdued, or “packaged”. It was immediate, honest and engaging. He had achieved a balance between the boy inside, who’s unbounded joy for the adventure of his life was tempered and seasoned by the man who fearlessly showed us that passion. He reached through my “baggage” and cynicism. I trusted him because I felt safe. His energy was coming from an honest place.

I’ll never forget his white-board drawings of the potential red and blue state outcomes during the NBC News coverage of the last presidential race. There he was, with only a marker and his enthusiasm, making what could have been the most boring aspect of the election, the most fascinating thing to consider…

He’s the only reason I kept watching that night.

What made me feel as if I knew him personally was a story he once related about his father:

Tim had reached the point in his personal and financial success where he wanted to buy his father a new car. He told his Dad he could have any car he wanted, even suggesting a Mercedes. His Dad told him a Ford Crown Victoria would be perfect. Tim, surprised at his father’s choice questioned him about it. His father’s reply was that among his friends and neighbors (and in the world he lived in) the Crown Vic was an acceptable and much appreciated symbol representing the gift from a son to his father…In other words, a more expensive car would actually have less meaning.

That story connected me to Tim Russert.

In an instant I understood who he was and where he came from. His wonderful relationship with his father who he referred to a “Big Russ”, reminded me of the special moments I had with my own Father.

You see, Tim Russert had something you can’t fake. He fearlessly showed you his heart. Which is so unusual at the level of success he achieved in network television. His open heart was the source of his passion. That’s what made him a true original.

No matter what he was talking about… I was always glad to see him. I think it was the boy inside me recognizing another kid from my block...

Thank you Tim, for touching my heart and reminding me of what’s really important. Our time together was way too short.

-Bob Baran