As I stood in line at the calling hours for Hirsch Fruit Farm's Frank Hirsch recently, his son-in-law was operating a station that featured some memorabilia from Frank's life.

Also at this station was a basket (an apple basket, of course) and small slips of paper with markers. The instruction was simple: Write down a word that best exemplifies Frank Hirsch.

Whoa, boy. It wasn't a challenge. It was more of a challenge to write down a single word.

Tom, the son-in-law, told folks they could write down more than one if they so chose, but I wanted to take up only a little time with so many people in line for the calling hours.

In the end, I chose "steady" because in all the time I have known Frank, I have believed he was one of the most steady people I've ever known. 

His family believed in his steadiness as a spouse, brother, father, grandfather, and more. Our community certainly saw his steadiness as a supporter of 4-H, the Ross County Farm Bureau, the Ross County Fair, and Bishop Flaget School. I saw steadiness in his approach to government and, to me, as the editor of the local newspaper.

But I could've added many more adjectives to describe him, such as:

• Accomplished: Look at the accolades that followed him throughout his life. From Ohio State to the fruit farm and Bishop Flaget to his role as a Ross County commissioner, the hallmark of Frank's life was working for the common good. 
• Humble: For all his accomplishments, I never saw a bragging spirit in him. I'd often have to congratulate him - after he asked about me, my family, and my various activities - on some honor or accolade before he even acknowledged the honor. He was always quick to push the praise back on others who had helped. 
• Loyal: Frank inspired loyalty amongst those who knew him well and those with whom he had yet to gain much experience. He did so with clear communication, enthusiasm, and kindness. It isn't easy to keep an entire county happy (and I'm sure Frank didn't win over everyone with every decision), but he managed to have the respect of many on both sides of the political spectrum.
• Caring: Famed Ohio State coach Woody Hayes believed you win with people. Frank fulfilled that adage. My last interaction with him was at a local restaurant, where he and his wife greeted my family warmly. He smiled and said, "Michael, you've got the whole crew here - what a blessing." He always called me "Michael." I called him "Francis Xavier" because I loved the regal sound of that name.

As I stood preparing to visit with the Hirsch family after standing in line for about an hour, I was struck by how many people had been influenced by Frank's life. It was humbling to be in that line. We can only hope to live a life of nature where folks stand for countless minutes to pay their respects. 

Whenever I saw Frank, I felt happy to have seen him. I left those calling hours feeling the same way. Sure, we're sad about his passing because the absence of his presence will be so noticeable. But the impression he left on us will last so much longer. 

Godspeed, Frank; you left our community much better than when you entered it. We thank you for your life well lived.