Sherri Shepherd honors mentor Bill Geddie on "The View."
Geddie co-created show with Barbara Walters, served as producer.
He believed in Shepherd, helping her find her voice.
Despite her political knowledge gap, Geddie encouraged Shepherd.
Shepherd remembers her first week on the show.
"The View" announces Geddie's death on Instagram.
Cause of death not disclosed; he was TV pioneer.
Show's tribute highlights his importance to "The View" family.
Geddie's family remembers him as a beloved husband and dad.