I've only seen bits and pieces of "8 Simple Rules", but I do agree it was a good show. Back when he was on "Three's Company", he was just so young and full of energy- I love his comic timing, and he puts me in a good mood when I watch him on that show. My fiance got me every single season of the show! :sigh: I'm gonna have a lot of watchin' to do!
Personally, I love John Ritter - some people think he acted "so gay and that he was over the top with his comedy - I loved him; I don't care. After seeing him in "Stephen King's IT" and listened to the commentaries with him on it, I wanted to work with him in movies.... never got the chance. 
RIP John!
In fact - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jWz2riXJns There is the memorial vid I did in honor of him as a fan of the movie IT.