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Almost a decade ago, Ken Bacon picked up the Refugees International reins from me.  My objective, drawing on RI's experience with Indochinese refugees, had been to take our early warning voice  worldwide.

But it was under Ken's leadership, that RI's voice in the media and via the RI website resounded, becoming the leading voice for displaced people around the world.  And it was Ken who built RI into a  wider-stanced, more durable organization.

In this process, unusual for successor and predecessor, we became close-- our friendship founded on Ken's self-assured kindness and our mutual respect.  Only a few weeks ago, despite his diminishing energy.  Ken insisted on introducing me at an award ceremony. It was an introduction that I will always treasure and one of so many thoughtful and selfless acts in his final weeks.  His courage has set a much higher  standard for all of us who knew Ken.

There are countless people in a great many countries who did not know Ken, but because of his efforts received lifesaving protection and assistance. That is one of the greatest legacies anyone can attain.

Editor's Note: Ken Bacon died on August 15 after battling aggressive melanoma.