On Tuesday, the Advocate learned we had lost one of our own with the passing of Buster MacGuire.

We share in his family's sorrow and grief, and we feel a sense of loss so profound that words cannot adequately describe.

With changes over the years at the Advocate, Buster was a constant.

He took young staff members under his wing and was always quick with a story about his past experiences or with a nugget of wisdom that only age can bring.

As his health steadily declined over the last few months, we marvelled at his strength and desire to carry on.

His presence hearkened us to another era in the newspaper business where dignity was always maintained.

Of course, Buster always had an Auburn joke or two that could bring a smile to the most die hard Tiger fan's face.

That was Buster for you.

Although we miss him, we also celebrate his life and are thankful for the time we had with him.

We thank his family for sharing him with us and with our world.

He made it a better place.

Let us take three lessons from Buster and strive to improve on them daily: Have strength, dignity and laughter throughout all our days.

May God give his family the strength to go forward from this day and may we all remember them as they face life without him.

Buster, rest in peace.