The death of our publisher, Karl V. Anton, Jr., has created a contemplative atmosphere over the past few days in the normally bustling offices of Anton Community Newspapers. As we have gone through the process of publishing the newspapers he loved so much, staff members have been reflecting upon the truly wonderful man who was our publisher and friend. We have shared words of our heartfelt loss and also warm smiles remembering how much he enjoyed life and the newspaper business, a gentleman to all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Anton was tirelessly dedicated to publishing the best community newspapers possible and often spoke to us with passion of the important role local newspapers play in people's lives, in every aspect of community life. His integrity set the high standards for meeting that role in the newspapers he took such pride in publishing. He so enjoyed handing papers "hot off the press" to those visiting our offices, while greeting them in his friendly and charming manner. Mr. Anton had an impressive professional life but it is the man himself upon whom we are now focused, surrounding ourselves with fond memories of who he was as a person and the many contributions he personally made to communities.

His employees will always remember him as a man of warmth and kindness, often working side by side with many of us, sleeves rolled up, digging in to numerous projects with great energy and enthusiasm. A walk down to Uncle Matthew's Diner to get a sandwich for lunch always involved a good chat and a laugh or two. We will miss him very much, in many ways.

The sound of the press running is just loud noise to some, but it was music to his ears. Karl V. Anton, Jr.'s spirit will live on in all the Anton Community Newspapers that continue to roll off that press.

¬Cary Seaman