ESPN anchor Stuart Scott died Sunday morning at age 49. My condolences to his family and friends.

It is hard. As we move on in life people are taken from us. Whether a family member, a friend or simply someone who we grew up with. Sometimes it is someone who seemed ever-present in our lives, someone like Stuart Scott.

The first time a celebrities death truly hit me was with Johnny Carson. Ended every single day with him for longer than I care to remember. He was the uncle who made you laugh. Much the same recently when we lost Robin Williams. But the hits keep coming.

I first saw Stuart Scott on the local news here in Orlando, he worked for WESH the NBC station here in Orlando before moving onto ESPN. We grew up with his catchphrases: “Booyah…” and “cooler than the other side of the pillow” became part of the national lexicon. Through Scott sportscasters are often as known by their catchphrases as for their work.

When I saw Scott’s speech at this years ESPY award show I was at once proud and saddened.

I was proud seeing a strong man fighting cancer and staying positive. So many fight this dreaded disease and it is absolutely a fight. Those like Stuart Scott and Jim Valvano who fight the fight and live their lives gives me hope for so many others.

I was saddened because, because I knew this day was coming. This day comes far to soon for each and every one of us.

We will miss you Stuart Scott.