Although nothing can replace a lost loved one, two examples were on display last week of great things being done in the community to honor the lives of two young people who were taken too soon.

On Saturday, more than 200 people congregated in Butler Memorial Park for a walk to remember Caitlyn Kaufman, 26, a 2012 Butler High School graduate and intensive care unit nurse who was shot and killed during an alleged road rage incident in Nashville in December.

The walk and candlelight vigil focused on Kaufman’s life, her “loving soul” and her desire to help others through her chosen field — and not her untimely death.

Kelsie Stransky, a childhood friend, came up with the idea for the walk to honor her friend’s giving nature.

“Caitlyn was a nurse, helping to save lives,” she said. “She would help anyone who needed it.”

Kaufman is still helping people.

For the walk, residents and businesses donated items that were raffled off in gift baskets, and shirts were sold for $10.

Proceeds will be contributed to a nursing scholarship fund in Kaufman’s name at Butler County Community College, where Kaufman earned her degree. Lynn Ismail, interim assistant director of BC’s Education Foundation, said the school has already obtained $30,000 for the scholarship, and the first scholarship will be awarded for the upcoming school year.

In Kaufman’s name, young people with dreams of becoming a nurse will be able to do so as a result. This is a lovely way to honor the memory of this kindhearted young woman.

In Thursday’s Eagle, Butler’s Floyd and Joan Osborne made a donation to Moraine State Park for a shoreline reconstruction project to improve aspects of the park — including fishing, which was a favorite pastime of their grandson, John Ficca, who died at age 23 in a motorcycle accident three years ago.

The project, undertaken by the park and the state’s Fish & Boat Commission, involves putting in a paved section that protects the shoreline at the 528 boat launch from ice and waves. The project will also involve adding a pier to create a new fishing dock area and picnic tables.

Dustin Drew, park manager, said the project will greatly expand fishing opportunities at the site. Ficca’s grandparents said they believed the project was a great way to memorialize their grandson.

We think so, too.

BC3’s scholarship and the Moraine shoreline project are of great value to the community. May they forever keep the memory alive of those who they memorialize.

— NCD