Though this community lost Roderick V. “Rod” Manifold sooner than we would have liked, his legacy is one we can all help to carry on.

Manifold’s dedication to our community and similar ones throughout Virginia should never be forgotten.

The 69-year-old was more than just executive director of Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS). He was a friend to those who he worked with for decades. He was a mentor to his younger employees and he was an advocate for people across the country who he had never met.

Manifold understood that healthcare should be a basic human right and fought to give the less fortunate access to that right.

He backed the words he spoke to legislators in Richmond and Washington D.C. through his interactions with CVHS staff and patients.

I encourage everyone to learn from the example set by Manifold. Stand up for what you believe in, not only by speaking up to decision makers, but also by standing out in your community.

Manifold truly believed in the health center.

Just before his unfortunate death, he visited all 16 CVHS sites in Virginia to share the importance of advocacy and to reconnect with the system’s employees.

He went above and beyond what was required of him because he believed he could make a difference, which he surely did.

He touched the lives of people — not only in this community and state — but individuals across the country.

We are lucky to have had Manifold in our community for 32 years. I hope we can learn from his legacy.

We can learn that speaking to our legislators does make a difference. Even more importantly, we can learn that pursuing our passions and sharing kindness everyday makes the most difference.

Manifold reminded us all that effective leadership lies in our ability to inspire, encourage and listen.

Carson Reeher is a staff writer for The Farmville Herald. Her email address is Carson.Reeher@FarmvilleHerald.com.