Short Takes: In Lindsey's death, our community suffers a loss

Kirk Lindsey had that elusive quality known as presence.

It stemmed from his physical stature, his deep voice and the fact that he spoke wisdom from experience -- as a business owner and executive, as a community volunteer and as a citizen leader in government.

Lindsey died this week from cancer at age 62. His death will be felt throughout the valley and even the state.

Since 2000, he had served on the California Transportation Commission, making difficult and often controversial decisions about how and where millions of dollars were spent.

He was an advocate for transportation funding for rural areas, but he was also an honest pragmatist. He wouldn't argue for a project he didn't believe in or that represented money wasted.

Lindsey also promoted regional cooperation within the valley -- the same kind of teamwork he called for as the water polo coach at Beyer High School.

He was a multidimensional person -- a successful businessman who used that acumen for the good of his community and state; a father whose love and guidance extended far beyond his own family.

He will truly be missed.

Help tell Fresno State's story

Fresno State University is preparing to celebrate its centennial and is asking for recollections from former students and others. Historian Bill Secrest Jr. is putting together a centennial book. You can e-mail your Fresno State memories to fresnostate100@csufresno.edu, or mail them to Centennial, California State University, Fresno, 5241 N. Maple Ave., M/S TA48, Fresno 93740-8027.

This story was originally published June 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM with the headline "Short Takes: In Lindsey's death, our community suffers a loss."