One of the friendliest people I've ever met passed away on Sunday, Rich Becker. Rich was 76 and had a list of accomplishments and titles that could go on for pages and pages. Long-time Lenexa Mayor. State Representative. State Senator. Candidate for governor. Author. Salesman. Husband. Father. Grandpa. Everybody's pal.

My wife and I were very new to the area, almost 20 years ago, when we were wandering through Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at one of the many festivals that the fun town of Lenexa hosts each year. Out of nowhere a blur of white teeth and salt-and-pepper hair appeared saying "Smile" and snapping a picture. It was Mayor Rich Becker. After the impromptu photo shoot, he extended his hand and gave us a hardy and heart-felt welcome. At the time, I didn't know that Rich was "hardy and heart-felt" in everything he said and did.

I was lucky to have Rich on that little late-night talk show called after*words several times over the years. He always talked about politics in noble terms. He viewed public service as a high calling and important responsibility of citizenship. Calling someone a "people-person" has become a cliche. But, I think if you looked it up in the dictionary, you'd find Rich Becker's picture. When he ran for governor of Kansas, he visited every corner of the state and loved talking to everyone he encountered. His enthusiasm for the race did take a toll on his personal health but it was certainly good for the health of our political system.

Our photo albums at home include several examples of Rich Becker's handiwork with a camera. He was always capturing a memory and, then, sharing it. Even from behind the camera, you can almost sense his presence in the picture. Rich Becker never had to tell his subjects to say "Cheese!" Being around Rich meant you were already smiling.