Pair are inspiration for service before self

On two cold grey winter days last Friday and Saturday, folks who call Sandpoint home and folks who traveled great distances paused in remembrance of Mayor Marsha Ogilvie and Captain David Lyon. The venues were different. The moods were different. And, those whom we remembered were different.

One, a vibrant woman with flair and a shock of red hair who gave herself to her local community. One, a champion athlete turned Air Force officer who gave himself on the world stage. But in the reflections offered through tears and laughter, we heard common themes about two extraordinary persons: leadership, compassion, inspiration, and love.

Yet of all the common themes in the lives of Marsha and David, I was most touched by their sense of service … if you will “service before self.” Words flowed for Marsha about her local leadership with Kinderhaven, Women Honoring Women, and responsibilities as council member and mayor. For David, we heard praise for inspiring his peers, volunteering as a youth coach, and ultimately his service with fellow Americans and Afghans.

We mourn the deaths of Mayor Ogilvie and Captain Lyon. Our hearts reach out to their families and closest friends. And, in the lives they led, there is a question for each of us. How do we who honor them find new ways for “service beyond self?” Is it working with youth in our own community? Is it finding new energy for one of the service organizations in town? Is it investing our time with a conservation or cultural non-profit which adds to the quality of life for us all? Is it running for elected office to serve the many? Is it something else?

The choice is ours. We the living who were touched by Marsha and David have new opportunities in 2014 to give back. We only have to act, as they chose to do in their lifetimes.

Gary Payton is an environmental advocate and retired Air Force officer who calls Sandpoint home.