I have, since the day I arrived at the Bigfork Eagle, made a conscious decision to avoid crossing Elna Darrow if at all possible. When I was shown a list of "People I need to know in Bigfork," she and her husband, George, were at the tip top. The pair was also near the top of the "People I should avoid making mad in Bigfork" list.

It didn't take long for me to figure out what would upset them, either. If Elna or George thought that anyone was doing anything that wasn't in the best interest of this, their adopted and deeply loved home, they would make no apologies for their reaction.

With Elna's untimely death last Thursday, Bigfork lost one of its great advocates and volunteers.

Her involvement in the community was legendary, whether it was booking bands for the Riverbend Concert Series or rounding up judges and cooks for Tamarack Time, Elna was always near the center of whatever was going on.

A 30-year legacy of community service is unfathomable to someone like me, who has not yet even been around for 30 years, but from the day the Darrows arrived at their beautiful farm just north of town, they jumped in with both feet in their passion for Bigfork.

Because I attend more public meetings than is healthy, the Elna I saw was the one who maintained a sometimes fiery disposition through the drudgery of the public process.

One instance in particular stands out, in part because it was not long ago when it occurred. A discussion was being held over how to best "revitalize" Bigfork. Ideas about advertising and cleanups and specials were being thrown around when, suddenly, Elna could take it no longer.

"Bigfork," she said, in her measured staccato cadence, "does not need to be 'revitalized.' It is plenty vital as it is."

The offending party assured her that no insult was intended and the conversation continued, carefully avoiding the term "revitalize" in the discussion. Before the meeting ended, she made her point again: Bigfork was not in need of an update or rebranding; the Village - her village - was just fine.

At the time, she may have been right. But with the passing of one of Bigfork's finest characters and dearest friends, it seems a little of Bigfork's vitality is gone forever.