The du'aa in the first post on this page on Sahab.net shows, in a little way, how important our Father, the 'Allaamah, the Shaykh Rabee' ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee (specifically, and the scholars in general) is to the Salafees and the Muslim Ummah at large - in his teaching us the Deen and warning us from the people & ways of misguidance, etc. May Allaah preserve him indeed and grant him a long blessed life in support of His Deen.
In the 3rd post is also a mention from Shaykh Falaah Isma'eel (may Allah preserve him) of some examples of how the salaf used to hold their 'Ulemaa' in high esteem, have respect for them and make much du'aa for them.
May Allaah help us in sincerely following the footsteps of the Salaf-us-Saalih.