Bush's ex-press aide Snow dies of cancer

Published on Saturday 12 July 2008 19:43

GEORGE Bush's former press secretary Tony Snow has died of cancer, the White House confirmed yesterday.

Snow, 53, who had been a conservative radio and television commentator, resigned in August last year as the US President's spokesman after taking the job in 2006.

Bush said he and his wife Laura "are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend" and called Snow "one of our nation's finest writers and commentators" who "earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts".

Snow learned in March last year that the cancer he had fought earlier had returned, but said his decision to quit his post was for financial, not health, reasons. He had earned far more as a commentator than his White House salary.

Snow was credited with livening up the daily news briefings and was admired for his skill at sparring with reporters.

Bush said Snow had worked as a speech writer in the administration of his father, former President George Bush, "and I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my press secretary".

Bush said 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".

Snow and his wife Jill had three children.