WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Michelle Wright shares her thoughts about the passing of Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor.

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I think he was taken away from us too soon. But since God decided it was time, I'm so happy that He gave Mayor Bob O'Connor enough time on Earth to reach his goal of leading the city he so loved. His passion for Pittsburgh was contagious.

Over the past few weeks, the newsroom conversation frequently turned to the last time each of us saw Bob. I last saw him at the Race for the Cure on Mother's Day. Here we are (Editor's Note: See picture at right) on that wonderful morning. I'm so thankful I have this picture.

For all the years he'd come to the race shaking hands, this was the first year he'd been honored as "Mayor" on the stage. I welcomed him to his first race in official capacity and he flashed me that trademark grin and we chatted.

That was the last time I talked to him in person.

I can't even count how many times I've interviewed him. I can honestly say he was always eager to help regardless of his busy schedule.... and his darling wife, Judy, was always so patient and kind even when I had to bother him at his home on many different evenings.

He was always involved in what was happening... but even I was amazed at how he seemed to be everywhere once elected mayor. He was often on the scene of breaking news.. the good and the bad. Remember the time police blocked off downtown for fear a gunman was shooting from a rooftop? Bob put on a bulletproof vest and was right in the middle of it all.

His campaign to "redd up" the city still makes me smile. Just the name alone shows he's a true son of Pittsburgh.

I hope as we all remember him... we'll all take his challenge to redd up what we can around us making *his* city a better place for all of us.