Replies

I believe I am the one who told him about FR in 1998 when I first came here. I met Tony in 1993 in an AOL political chatroom as he had just left the Bush, Sr. Whitehouse and was unemployed...and nervous. But always hopeful. It was during that period that we chatted alot. And he told me alot of stuff...stuff that I saw him deal with in dignity as the years went on.

I was there the first time he subbed for Rush and he called me from NY when he had his first interview with FOX. He was the ultimate optimist.

I tell you this not to show off and be boastful. But to tell you in a personal way what a kind soul he was to stay in touch with me all these years, of course not as ofen, even though he was a VERY important and busy man. I know there are others here who know what I'm talking about. He always asked about me and wanted to know what my husband and I were up to. He was ALWAYS laughing.

I have a story I'm not so proud of also...when he was in San Diego in 1996 for the Republican Convention I was upset because he didn't contact me although he said he would. I accidentally ran into him in the hallway of the convention center and he said we should go to lunch. I said no. I was just a bitch...no other excuse. I wound up writing him a scathing email that I shouldn't have. I fully expected never to hear from him again. But I was wrong. He called me the moment he got that email and apologized and explained how busy he was and how sorry he was. He was on his way up and I thought my note would give him the excuse to just let go of our friendship.

But that wasn't Tony. He made things right, and I apologized for being a silly girl and we had a good laugh about it. But I've always been very embarrassed about it.

I also wanted to bring up another tragedy that he handled with grace...remember when his house burned down? He talked about that house on the radio all the time while it was being built. He loved it. And then the news came that there was a fire and it was all gone. All he said was that his family was ok an that's all he cared about. I don't think he ever dwelled on it again which is why we don't remember it.

My tagline says it all. I hope one day, if and when I'm promoted, I will meet up with my friend again.

Very nice idea, SkyPilot. I just returned from a family funeral in WVA, however, and am going to try and make Tony's funeral, as well [which will take a little doing], so I will be gone until after it is over. Both funerals feel like family! Will check back when I return and read the Thread and see if I can add a little myself.

Tony loved words, and if you can get some folks to post some of his words, it would be a wonderful tribute.

FOX