Robert Armstrong only served a short time as mayor but had a long career dedicated to the village of South Point.

The community continues to mourn the loss of Armstrong who passed away Monday after a sudden heart attack.

Known as Bob to his friends — a list that included pretty much the whole village of South Point and well beyond — Armstrong epitomizes what it means to be a public servant.

Armstrong served on the village council since the late 1970s, a testament in and of itself, as his way to help the community he loved so much.

In February, Armstrong officially became mayor of the southernmost village in the state after longtime Mayor Bill Gaskin died.

Although some people may have been intimidated by trying to hold the seat that Gaskin dominated for so long, it didn’t bother Armstrong. That’s because he had a clear philosophy when it came to succeeding his dear friend.

“I’m not trying to fill Bill Gaskins shoes, just walk for awhile in his footsteps.”

But Armstrong’s legacy will live on in all those he touched over the years and those he has inspired or impacted through his four decades of public service.

South Point residents — and all Lawrence Countians — should be proud to have been so well represented by a man who is most often described with words like honesty, integrity, selflessness and caring.

Everyone can rest a little easier though knowing that Bob Armstrong has joined his friend and colleague Gaskin, and together they are keeping an eye on South Point and southern Ohio.