Mailbag:

A wonderful human being was celebrated yesterday. Jan Vandersloot was a man of character. He was a valiant environmentalist, a tireless worker for something greater than self and a brilliant thinker with a good heart.

Why didn’t we all follow him, all of us, not just the 200 or so souls who paid respects Sunday? Why were his causes always the long shot?

What made him the underdog is our culture, our politics, our way of life.

We are much too driven by the proverbial bottom line.

Orange County and Newport Beach leadership, like leadership in most American communities, represent the most needy segment of our population. For the wealthiest individuals, there is never enough. They are always are looking for more, and their bottom line thinking has infected our society.

Jan Vandersloot is a hero. We should all look around and see the heroes fighting for sacred places.

Dr. Terry Welsh was one speaker Sunday. He has been leading the fight to preserve Banning Ranch for the last 10 years. Terry is just one example.

There were many others who spoke Sunday, who, like Jan, work for years for something that does not materially profit them.

Mark Tabbert

Newport Beach

A great man and a terrific doctor

I am shocked and very saddened to hear of Dr. Jan Vandersloot’s sudden passing.

My son and I have been patients of Vandersloot for almost 20 years. He was a wonderful man and terrific doctor, one of the best in his field: dermatology.

He always had time for his patients and explained procedures and treatments. Many of his patients had limited incomes. He helped everyone.

We shared another bond, as he was an activist for our environment and the creatures that share this planet with us.

Vandersloot stood up against the big developers in our area who place profits ahead of quality of life. One of his many goals was to protect our open spaces for future generations to enjoy.

Vandersloot was a good man, a great humanitarian and activist. He made a difference for our community and for his patients.

My condolences go out to his family. We will miss him very much.

Karin W. Ahlf

Costa Mesa