Gilbert Vaughan’s hat rack was full.

As a man who championed numerous causes, Vaughan wore many hats during his lifetime of service to his hometown of Ahoskie, all of Hertford County, the Roanoke-Chowan area, northeastern North Carolina and the Tar Heel State.

While some adults choose to volunteer their time to a single cause, Vaughan’s body of work seemingly had no end. He was a top-ranking official in the local Kiwanis Club as well as serving that civic organization as a District Lt. Governor on not one, but four occasions.

Within the circle of the Salvation Army, Vaughan was “the man” in Hertford County. He also served that organization as the Chairman of a nine-county Board of Directors, one that oversaw numerous efforts that supplied comfort and aid to those in need.

Vaughan’s volunteerism did not stop there. He was one of the major forces behind the founding of the Roanoke-Chowan Wildlife Club; served as a member of the Ahoskie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad; and was instrumental in founding as well as coaching what is now the Ahoskie Recreation Department’s Youth Baseball League.

On top of all that, Vaughan was a registered Girl Scout. That may sound odd for a man of his stature, both physically and socially, but once again his passion to serve all people was abundantly clear. For over 20 years, he served as Cookie Cupboard chairman.

On Sunday, May 16, Heaven’s door opened and Gilbert Vaughan walked in. Heaven’s gain is our loss.

The question now becomes who will step to the plate and accept Vaughan’s collection of hats.

Considering the fact that Vaughan was part of our nation’s greatest generation, we seriously doubt that any one man, or one woman can fill his shoes. But collectively, we can follow in his giant footsteps and give something back to the community, county, region and state he so dearly loved.

Our sincere condolences go out to his family…thank you for sharing Gilbert with us.