For a company whose business is commentary and analysis of the stock market, it should come as no surprise that the televisions at Motley Fool Headquarters are constantly tuned to CNBC.

This morning, we were shocked and saddened to learn about the sudden death of CNBC's Mark Haines. Founding anchor of Squawk Box, Mark has been a fixture at the network for more than two decades.

Haines' skill was that he was just as much a commentator as he was a reporter, and equally talented at both, all while staying stone-faced calm. His coverage of the financial crisis was informative and insightful. CNBC President Mark Hoffman said of Haines: "Mark was always the unflappable pro." We agree.

Surely someone else will fill his seat at the anchor desk, but we will miss Mark's mixture of brains, humor, and bluntness, and his commanding-yet-calm presence. We extend our thoughts and condolences to Mark's family, friends, and CNBC colleagues.

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