"See you at the next Catholic Prayer Breakfast," former Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., said to me last Wednesday as he walked into the studio to appear on a Newsmax2 television program here in Washington, D.C.

That was Tim Murphy — upbeat, optimistic, and always looking ahead. He was there to discuss the latest of his three books, each of which explored the intersection of mental health and faith.

Three days later, Murphy was dead of a heart attack at the age of 73.

His life was one of remarkable breadth.

Murphy built distinguished careers as a psychologist, a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps, a radio personality, and a member of Congress.

After serving 15 years in the House, Murphy shocked friends and colleagues when he resigned in October 2017 after admitting to an extramarital affair.

Despite the brouhaha, his marriage to his wife, Nanette, endured, as did his relationship with their daughter.

For many politicians, that may have marked the end of public life. Not Tim Murphy.

Instead, he drew upon his professional expertise to become one of the nation's leading advocates for mental health reform — a cause that had long defined both his public service and his private life.

"Murphy's steadfast devotion to improving mental health services for those on the fringes and in dire need of such help is a legacy for which he will long be remembered," Colin McNickle, communications and marketing director at the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy, told TribLive following Murphy's death.

After earning his doctorate in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, Murphy established a successful clinical practice.

He also rose to the rank of commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps, where he became a passionate advocate for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges.

Like television personalities Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Laura Schlessinger, "Dr. Tim" became a popular radio talk show host, combining professional expertise with an engaging personality and a distinctive, reassuring voice.

He was a frequent contributor on Newsmax and authored the "The Christ Cure" — a book detailing how faith can help people overcome mental health issues.

His growing public profile soon caught the attention of Republican leaders in western Pennsylvania, who recruited him to challenge a seemingly entrenched Democrat state senator.

Murphy won, launching a political career that would eventually take him to Washington.

"When a new congressional district was created, Tim was the obvious choice to run, and he won convincingly," former Rep. Phil English, R-Pa., told Newsmax. "Once in the House, he became a strong Republican voice on unconventional issues, including healthcare reform, manufacturing policy, and trade."

English added that Murphy would also be remembered for the innovative ideas he championed after leaving Congress.

"Tim will be remembered for the 'break-the-mold' policy ideas he advocated after leaving the House," English said.

"His legacy was electoral success built on a unique coalition of working families and suburban professionals during a deeply divided political era," he added.

But those who knew him best remember something more enduring: a man who successfully blended conservative principles with genuine compassion for those struggling with mental illness, addiction, and life's hardships.

As former Rep. Melissa Hart, R-Pa., who served alongside Murphy in both the Pennsylvania Legislature and Congress, told Newsmax: "He made a mistake, learned from it, and did a lot of good after he left the House."

For many whose lives he touched, that is the legacy that will matter most.

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John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.