A true public servant

Ralph Rohrabaugh died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 81. A Carroll County leader and public servant, he will be missed for years to come.

A typical senior he was not. When many others his age are turning over responsibilities to younger people, Ralph still held many leadership positions, including president of the Camden Town Council.

Ralph personified the friendly face of Camden and was the unofficial mayor of the town.

He was a progressive thinker and planner and always worked hard to make sure that Camden never got left behind. He loved for groups and committees to meet in his town and often would give them a personal welcome.

He was dedicated to everything he did. He served on the Camden Town Council for more than 33 years, was a 57-year member of the American Legion, and was a member of the Carroll County E-911 Advisory Committee since its inception in the mid-1990s. He was currently serving and had served on numerous Camden and Carroll County boards and committees.

Already a proven leader, he was making plans to take part in Leadership Carroll County, Class of 2007.

In 2000, Ralph was recognized for all his civic contributions by being named a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award the governor can bestow.

Ralph’s death creates a void that will be hard to fill. It would be a tribute to him if people would step forward and work toward the things he believed in – in Camden and in Carroll County.