We need their kind again

Two of the Augusta area's finest leaders died this past week.

George A. Sancken Jr., 86, and Francis "Frank" Dennis Jr., 83, were both quiet men, and World War II veterans, who leave behind them very loud, very proud, legacies of service to their country and community.

Mr. Sancken, who became an official of his family's successful dairy business after he returned from the war - with Bronze and Silver stars after landing at Utah Beach - made his principal mark in public service: He sandwiched two terms as Augusta mayor, 1964-1970, between two stints on the City Council, leaving the latter post for good in 1983.

Despite being an elected public official, Mr. Sancken wasn't a conventional politician. He was simply a "wonderful fellow" who left the city in better shape than he found it, according to his friend and another former mayor, Lewis "Pop" Newman.

Mr. Dennis, founder and president of Augusta Iron and Steel Works, was one of the region's most successful businessmen, and made his leadership mark on public life with his volunteer work. He served on countless boards and commissions, including several terms on the Augusta Aviation Commission and the Richmond County Hospital Authority, two as chairman.

But the service Mr. Dennis was most proud of was the 30 years he gave to University Hospital. He came to embody the soul of that venerable institution, which has a 187-year history of its own. Mr. Dennis was honored as the only person ever named board chairman emeritus of University Health Services.

Messrs Dennis and Sancken were, in their own different but quiet ways, selfless statesmanlike leaders - model citizens who gave generously of themselves to the community they loved. They never sought more than that.

Now, more than ever, we need citizens of their caliber and character to step forward and pick up the mantle of servant leadership.

As individuals they will be sorely missed by family and friends. But the impact their very full lives leave on Augusta's public life will be felt for many years to come.