Augusta has lost one of its most admired and respected role models.

Although small in stature, Norman "Skeeter" Griffin was huge in his many contributions to this community. Judging success by the number of invaluable lessons taught, untiring service to others, and infectious affability, he died a fabulously wealthy man.

The fields in which he received his many accolades included athletics (Georgia High School Coach of the Year at Richmond Academy; and induction into the Georgia Southern University Athletic Hall of Fame, in baseball and basketball); education (Richmond County Principal of the Year); and civic involvement (president and Golden Deed Recipient, Richmond County Exchange Club; Volunteer Board and occupational therapy, University Hospital).

In all aspects of his life, not just his professional career, all of us who came in contact with him have benefited from it. The better you got to know him, the more you cherished and admired him. Whether it was the countless hours on the court, sharing a meal (no spirits, please; only healthy morsels), or just shooting the bull, his candor, sincerity and charitable nature were signature events.

IT IS RARE INDEED that a person can positively affect so many individuals from so many different walks of life in so many different ways.

As a leader, he was confident but unassuming. He didn't simply command respect; he earned it. He was tough, but fair and kind; and like many of us, he mellowed and became gentle with age. He was steadfast in character, unwavering in his integrity and very proud to be just who he was; no faade: what you saw was what you got. It was all about what you are, not who!

His genuinely affectionate, amiable personality will be sorely missed by the many diverse people who associated with him. "Griff" represents one of those rare human beings who, while achieving all of his personal goals, never once compromised his purpose in life and made the world a better place simply by his presence.

Because he was so authentically humble he probably never personally appreciated how truly esteemed and loved he was in the community. It is consoling to know, though, that the entire CSRA recognizes it, and we share the family's loss.

Thanks, Mr Griff. We have a monumental debt of gratitude, and you will always remain an inspiration to us.

(Editor's note: The writer is an Augusta obstetrician/gynecologist.)