The town of Paris lost a giant recently. His name was Jack Richardson. He served as the chair of our Policy and Procedure Committee for many years, and often spoke at selectboard and town meetings. But these contributions were not what made him special.

What made Richardson a giant was what guided him to act and speak as he did. Unlike many citizens who serve their local communities or their nation, he was never motivated by the need for public attention; nor by financial gain, nor by political ambitions.

What guided Jack came from the very center of his being: his personal integrity and intellectual honesty. The result was that when he acted or spoke, it was only to advance what was just, legal and in the best interest of our community. These are the qualities and gifts which made him a giant.

The town of Paris is a much poorer community without Richardson in it. May we remember him and be grateful for his time among us by always practicing in our work together those qualities that guided Jack in his.

Jean Smart, South Paris