C.H. “Mike” Lafoon’s death last week at the age of 86 reminds us anew of the steady passing of a post-World War II generation whose community service was monumental.

A community like Farmville does not easily fill the huge leadership void left by giants like Mr. Lafoon.

The depth of his community service was breathtaking:

•  A quarter-century of service on the Farmville Town Council, including two years as vice mayor.

•  Nearly four decades on the Southside Community Hospital Board, including four years as its chairman.

•  Former president of the Farmville Jaycees who was instrumental in bringing the town its first Christmas Parade, an event that endures a half-century later, delighting children each December.

•  Driving force behind the creation of a youth baseball league that continues to thrive today.

•  Former president of the South Central Board of Realtors.

•   Business owner who led two of our community’s most successful businesses — Longwood Realty Co. and Coldwell Banker Realty Inc.

The list goes on.

Such selfless service harkens to an era when serving one’s community was an obligation that Mr. Lafoon and many others like him held sacred. Farmville is blessed with many fine community servants today, including Mr. Lafoon’s son, Kip, who lives out the example set by his father.

We hope the lifetime of service by Mr. Lafoon inspires others to step up and continue the tradition of volunteer leadership that made Farmville the successful community it is today.