Community. A social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests – Webster’s Dictionary.

Having grown up in Los Angeles and having lived many years in the Bay Area, the expression “community” never meant a great deal to me. I guess the closest I came to understanding the concept was our Catholic parish in Long Beach and our community at St. Mary’s College. When I moved here 24 years ago, I came to love the small-town feel, the community. When asked what I like about South Lake Tahoe, I would think of my three-hour trips to Raley’s to get a loaf of bread. It has been, and always will be, one of my great places to socialize. The Soroptomist Wine Tasting is much the same, except you get to dress up and drink wine at the same time.

This past week, though, changed my entire perception of “community.” The Tahoe Daily Tribune had far too many obituaries: Fred Hall, a close friend and associate of mine, and several other longtime community members such as John Holm, Bob Artzer, Lorraine Lowe, Nan Chase and former Whittell coach Ralph Myrehn. On Saturday of last week I ran into Peter and Janet Baumann and heard that Kurt had passed away early that morning – a great man, a great family, a great loss to our community.

On Monday, while still trying to absorb the loss of Kurt, we heard about the tragic deaths of Michael Blank Jr. and Phil Smith. As shocking as the news was initially, it became even more horrific as we learned more of the tragedy on the Mendocino coast.

All of us who knew Michael Blank Jr., or Michael B. as he was dubbed by Dave Olivo years ago, will remember his broad smile, good nature and wonderful, God-given athletic talents. He had a quiet yet dominant presence on the field, just like his dad’s, who was always there with him. I have spoken to fellow dads and coaches and we have all concluded that we can never put ourselves in the shoes of Michael Sr., but we all will do what we can for Michael, Carmen and Matt.

As our minds were trying to comprehend the loss of Michael B. and Phil Smith, the entire story unfolded. The death of Phil Smith in this tragedy moved us emotionally in one direction and his astonishing act of heroism moved us in yet another. Two young men in a torrent of waves and Phil jumped in the water to their rescue. He was able to help Johnathan to safety, but was not able to save Michael or himself, a great father, a great friend, a great husband, a hero. In time, Nick, Chris and Lisbeth will move from the sadness to great memories of Phil. Until then, the community will be there for them.

On Friday, and again on Saturday, I sat in St. Theresa Church with our community. Several hundred members of our community were there each day, all of us from all over this country, of all different religions, occupations, lifestyles and beliefs. Except that one belief is the same – that we are a community and we care about each other and will take care of each other. Unfortunately, this type of tragedy will happen again, maybe to you or to me. But now I know that my community will be there for me and for my family. I love this community and I love what we are.

When I’m asked again what I like about South Lake Tahoe, it’s not just that trip to Raley’s; it is so much more, so very much more.

– Paul Middlebrook is publisher of the Tahoe Daily Tribune.