George Van Sant was a friend to all, mentor to many, counselor, loving father and husband, and, always, a proud Marine. He was a solid rock of a man who spent every waking moment looking for ways in which to help others, and to better his community and the state. He lived by example and never spoke ill of others. He always thought of those less fortunate and worked hard to end all forms of discrimination. Our lives are richer in so many ways for the time we were able to spend with him and to learn in his presence. Heaven’s gain is our loss. His memory and his impact on our lives will live on for generations. We need only look around us to see his monument.