Our dear friend George passed away unexpectedly last week. He and his wife, Diane, are wonderful people. We have known them for many years. They are pillars in our community. If you needed help, they were there to help. They have a son and daughter who are simply Good People. MJ and I have been friends of George’s brother Jim and his lovely wife, Laura. We have watched their kids grow into wonderful, caring adults. I told Jim’s son, Greg, that he looked like a champ… which is my highest compliment. When I see Jim and Laura’s kids, my heart swells with pride. It has been my privilege to be invited to many celebrations at Jim and Laura’s home.
The energy and familial bond I felt each time I was there was extraordinary. I did not see George often since my retirement, but had the good fortune to talk with him twice in the past six weeks. George had the unique ability to make you feel important and appreciated. George was a servant leader. He was a humble humanitarian. He was a great man!

Diane referred to MJ, our sons, Aaron and Jonathon, and me as good people. What a profound compliment from a great lady! They do not shout their faith from the mountain top…they live it in the lives they help.

Good People exist all around us. We pass them in Kroger’s and sit next to them at the Theatre. People who feel things deeply. People who care about others. We talk with them at the Lodge. They get up in the middle of the night when a fire occurs at the university to help with fire and smoke eradication products.

George loved Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. When I needed his help as the head of the housekeeping department…George was there. George and Jim were a Godsend to my efforts as a manager of over 400 staff and 200 buildings.

I have known a few quiet warriors for good. The hidden treasure of Southern Illinois is Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. New administration may not understand or do their research, but George Sheffer and the Sheffer family have blessed the University more times than can be counted. They were there for SIUC when no one stepped up. George sought neither admiration nor praise…he was a servant working for the master of his faith.