i was thanked for being this today, and I'm glad!

staunch

²    [stawnch, stahnch] Show IPA

–adjective, -er, -est.

1.

firm or steadfast in principle, adherence, loyalty, etc., as aperson: a staunch Republican; a staunch friend.

2.

characterized by firmness, steadfastness, or loyalty: Hedelivered a staunch defense of the government.

3.

strong; substantial: a staunch little hut in the woods.

4.

impervious to water or other liquids; watertight: a staunchvessel.