http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jUYdp-PgKL8dQsapNmPNw6LSgZxQWASHINGTON (AFP) — Tony Snow, a former White House spokesman and veteran radio and television journalist, has died following a long battle with colon cancer, his former employers said Saturday. He was 53.
Snow was a commentator on the Fox News network when he was named President George W. Bush's chief spokesman in May 2006. He stepped down in September after 16 months on the job.
"America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character," Bush said in a statement.
"It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work. His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor," Bush said.
"All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer," he said.
Snow worked as a speechwriter under Bush's father, president George H.W. Bush, in the early 1990s.
"In this case it isn't a press secretary. It isn't a speechwriter. It was a dear, valued friend that went on to heaven," the elder Bush told CNN.
"He won the respect of even those who violently disagree with the president's proposals and policies. For that I think he'll be remembered. He brought a certain civility to this very contentious job," he said.
Snow joined Fox in 1996 as the first anchor of "Fox News Sunday," a weekend morning talk show, and hosted "Weekend Live" and a radio program, "The Tony Snow Show," before leaving for the White House.
He survived a first bout with colon cancer in 2005, but in March 2007, only 10 months into his tenure at the White House, it was announced that his cancer recurred and spread to his liver.
He underwent surgery to remove a growth in his abdomen and returned to the podium five months later.
Snow eventually quit in September, citing the need to earn more money for his family. He was hired as a conservative commentator by CNN in April.
Topic: Former Bush spokesman Tony Snow dies at 53 (Read 1646 times)