 Friends and former co-workers are remembering Joe Plutt, also known as the Mad Hugger who passed away from prostate cancer last week at the age of 82. Plutt worked as an English instructor at Central Lakes College for more than 30 years. He greeted every person, including every student he had, with a hug, which gave him the name the Mad Hugger. His popularity led to an appearance on the NBC television show Real People and an interview with People Magazine. When I think about him, I think of that laugh of his, which was just marvelous. And the way that he made everybody feel like they were the only person in the world that mattered to him. He was everybody's best friend, or you were the best friend of Joe if you knew him. And so it's sad that he's gone, but he left behind quite a legacy that really warms our hearts. Plutt made a huge impact on the Brainerd Lakes area and Central Lakes College where he started a scholarship fund that has grown to more than $50,000. According to his friends, Joe made everyone he came into contact with feel like they were the most important person in the room. He founded a scholarship fund here, which they had the world's largest group hug, I believe, to raise money for that a few years ago. He was instrumental in promoting the arts and in promoting culture here at the college. He just was, I don't know how best to describe it, except to say he was just a strong driving force for everything that is good and kind. A visitation and funeral for Plutt will be held this weekend in Crosby. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.