John Palmer NBC News Reporter Dies at Age 77

John Palmer, a longtime NBC news reporter, passed away this past Saturday, Aug. 3. Palmer worked at NBC from 1962 to1990, and then again from 1994 to 2002.

The network that became his professional home released a statement shortly after Palmer's death. The statement spoke to his accomplishments as a journalism, and the unique personal traits that allowed him to earn those accomplishments.

John Palmer was a "brilliant, brave, and tireless journalist who guided viewers through many of the most significant events of the past half-century -- from the early days of the civil rights movement through the tragedy of 9/11," the statement said.

"He covered five presidents and traveled to every corner of the world, always showing the empathy and compassion that helped set him apart. His kindness is remembered by all of us, and it built lasting bonds throughout our news division," they added.

Palmer's colleague Tom Brokaw echoed NBC's praise of Palmer in a post on Twitter.

"God bless John Palmer, tireless reporter, always a gentleman, loving husband and doting father," Brokaw wrote on the social networking site.

On Saturday night, NBC aired a tribute to Palmer, where many of his friends and colleagues spoke of their experiences with him.

NBC news reporter Andrea Mitchell spoke fondly of the late Palmer.

"John Palmer brought to the White House beat his foreign policy experience and a steady reassuring voice, in good times and in bad," the current NBC reporter said.

Mitchell also remembered the non-professional side of Palmer, and mentioned that he loved being with his family and he "loved Sinatra, golf and fishing."

Palmer is survived by his wife Nancy and his three daughters.