Barry Webb died last week and his presence and personality are already missed by Polson area residents. Barry loved his community and the folks in it — and it was a mutual feeling.

 The community’s reaction to Barry’s terminal illness in recent weeks was so heartwarming. When folks learned that his time was limited, so many tributes spontaneously occurred. Despite being born with congenital mental problems, he was known for decades for his friendliness, gentle nature, big grin; his regular daily walking routines where he stopped to say hi to folks in downtown stores, the library, his attendance at Monday night movies, his local support of Polson Pirates sports activities, his faithful Sunday morning duties of ringing the church bell at the beginning of the worship service in the Presbyterian Church and snuffing out the candles at the close of the service; and so much more.

Special recognition was given to Barry the past few weeks as the Pirates No. 1 fan; the police and fire departments honored him as did his friends at the Polson senior citizen center; Cherry Valley elementary students gave him special Valentines and he was given an honorary high school graduation diploma.

While on vacation a few weeks ago, Scott Heinz, now living in Colorado Springs, Colo., photographed Barry with many of his church friends and compiled the pictures into a scrapbook. He told Barry, “If you can’t get to church, you can look at the pictures and see your church ‘family.’”

The tributes reflected the love and appreciation that the community felt for Barry over the years and recognition of his uncomplaining attitude with which he faced every day of his life. Such caring, I feel, is what makes Polson such a great community in which to live.

 And the story goes on, too. I just heard that as part of the “Streetscape” improvement project for downtown Polson, a special bench in Barry’s memory could be included.