Tim Russert reminds me of someone else

If you have seen any form of media recently, you know that Tim Russert died abruptly of a heart attack. When most public figures die, I must admit that I really don't get broken up about it. I don't feel any personal connection in these instances. With Tim Russert, however, I felt like like I was losing someone close to me. It's not as much sad as it is a testament to this man. He has plenty of media people talking about how he was so significant in peoples' lives so I will leave it to them, The Experts.

As far as the "someone else," I will back up a bit. I was watching the NBC Nightly News tonight with a segment on Mr. Russert. Yes, it was sad, but there was something else. It felt familiar. The way I felt watching this segment reminded me of another public figure in the DC area who wasn't as well known as Tim Russert, but he had the same ability to relate to people: Glen Brenner, a local TV News Sports Anchor Man...the funniest TV News Reporter I ever did see.

When my family moved to the DC area, Glen Brenner became the area's unofficial ambassador. I would seldom miss his reports, because anything could happen during them. He would make fun of his co-anchors or go off on tangents. He would make me laugh. Glen Brenner made watching the News a True Event.

This describes him fairly well:

"The infectious zeal for life that Brenner had could not help but make all those around him more fun. His chemistry with his channel 9 colleagues, especially Gordon Peterson (who is still on local TV), was magical. He was irreverent without being snarky (something ESPN could learn from) and a joy to watch."

Unfortunately, he died of brain tumor. He had been off the air for months following a “vascular event” in his brain that occurred as he finished the 1991 Marine Corps Marathon. He was only 44 years old.

I am sure that if he hadn't died so young, you would know his name too. Just like Tim Russert, he could relate to people. It shows that if you extend yourself a little, you won't be forgotten. I haven't forgotten him.

Here he is...the Funny Man...

Making fun of a co-anchor's Asian Style Dress:



Making fun of Gordon Peterson:



Laughing at a Bull Rider who gets stomped in The Pills.