Frank Burge was one of Kansas University’s best and most effective salespeople. He was one of a kind, and his efforts on behalf of the university have been difficult to duplicate since he retired as director of the Kansas Union in 1983. In fact, they haven’t been duplicated.

Burge, who died Saturday in Lawrence, was a native of Iowa. He moved to Lawrence in the early 1950s, and there could not have been a person on Mount Oread more proud of KU and Kansas than the tireless Burge. He may have been raised an Iowa Hawkeye, but he became a fierce, genuine Jayhawk.

Under Burge’s leadership, the Kansas Union became the center of activity on campus. He made sure anyone and everyone who visited the Union — whether it was students, faculty, townspeople or out-of-town dignitaries — were accommodated and taken care of in a manner that would reflect credit on the university.

Nearby parking facilities were scarce in those days, and Burge frequently would be waiting for people he knew were scheduled to attend a function at the Union to offer greetings and have someone, often himself, park the guest’s car. Because there was no covered entrance at the Union then, Burge often came to the front door carrying an umbrella for visitors.

Just as he was determined to do everything he could for the university, he also devoted a great deal of time and effort to helping the community.

When the Chamber of Commerce-KU mixer was started, Burge made arrangements for all the food. The fall mixer originally was intended as a gathering where new faculty members and their spouses could meet Lawrence townspeople and chamber members and hear from city, county, school and university officials. It now has grown into a food fair for chamber members, faculty and area educators, but Burge played a significant role in getting the program off to a good start in its early years.

Burge always had a positive outlook and worked with various leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industry. He was considered one of the nation’s leaders in this area, and numerous food and vending companies worked with him and the Kansas Union to try new ways of doing things. He was an innovator, a great asset for the university and for Lawrence.

Burge was a terribly hard worker and expected good work from those who served in various capacities at the Union. It is unfortunate that, after his retirement, illness and a serious bicycling accident robbed him of some of his physical energy. Nevertheless, illness could not rob him of his positive attitude, his optimism and his constant desire to help others.

The university needs more individuals like Frank Burge. He was a rare gem.