It is easy to see how much Leo Hoffman meant to the community of Edwardsburg and to its public school system.

The former teach, coach and administrator who died Jan. 13 may not have been born in Edwardsburg, but he left a lasting imprint on the village by the examples he set in both the classroom and in the athletic arena.

Hoffman understood that hard work and dedication were keys to not only athletics, but life in general and he passed that on to his students and players.

Edwardsburg is a better place for having the likes of Leo Hoffman.

In speaking with Edwardsburg Superintendent Sherman Ostrander about Hoffman, he said something interesting that we feel is important to point out.

We as a society too often honor those posthumously for their achievements.

That was not the case with Hoffman, who had the football field named after him in 1998 and was elected into the Edwardsburg Public Schools’ Hall of Fame in 2008.

We agree with Ostrander that we should honor those who are deserving while they are still alive to enjoy the accolades that come with the selection.

We should also allow families to enjoy the celebration with the father, mother, sister or brother.

We would encourage school districts, communities and organizations to take a good hard look at those who have served them well.

Maybe it is time to honor those individuals while they are still alive to enjoy it.

After all, one of the greatest lessons one can learn is to share success with others.

Maybe that is another lesson Leo Hoffman has taught us.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.