By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

July 14, 2008 – Tony Snow’s death, at 53 on Saturday, was something we all feared would come too soon, and for his family, friends and colleagues it is defiantly did. 

I met Tony more than 20 years ago when we were both frequent guests on the weekly public affairs show “Evening Exchange.” 

The WHUR-TV program featured a round-table of journalists, who discussed the happenings in the nation’s capital. It was hosted by D.C. fixture Kojo Namdi .

Topics often focused on the African-American community – issues Snow was well-suited to address since, at the time, he was the Washington bureau chief for The Detroit News, which covered a majority-Black city.

After Snow left The News and joined The Washington Times staff, our paths didn’t cross as often.  We would see each other periodically, but we didn’t see each other on a regular basis again until he became the White House press secretary in 2006.

When I saw him at his first White House briefing, he bent to give me a hug and kiss, which prompoted April Ryan, White House correspondent for the Urban Radio Network, to ask jokingly, “Why is Tony kissing you?” 
One of the last times we talked at length was during the White House Christmas party.  He looked good, and we chatted about the primary that was underway.  We were interrupted frequently by folks wanting to say hello.  It had been only four months since he had left his post at the White House to concentrate on his fight against colon cancer.

The last time I saw Tony was shortly after it was announced he would be going to CNN; he was excited about getting back into the media with such a historic and competitive race underway. He didn’t want to be on the sidelines.

My sincerest condolences to his wife Jill and their three children.