The impact of the loss of Chad Calhoun still is being assessed by this community. Almost to a man those who spoke of his sudden death Tuesday morning used such terms as “irreplaceable” or a “tremendous loss.” Edgar F. Kaiser, son of the late industrialist Henry J, Kaiser who was Calhoun’s mentor and employer for more than three decades, said, “Chad was a man of character, integrity and understanding. His dedication, whatever the task, was inspiring. His devotion to family and friends was a guiding beacon. Chad loved his community and served it unselfishly . . . that God allowed him to be part of so many lives for so many years is a treasure with which all of us who were privlaged to know him were blessed . . The directors of the environmental group called Desert Peoples United said the loss of the water agency president will be felt as much by future generations as those present. “We all lost a great friend when Chad Calhoun died suddenly this morning,” the directors said. “He was a long-time champion of protection and replenishment of the valley’s water supply ... as a director of the DPU, he waged a constant assault on any actions which tended to degrade our exceptionally good water .. . Chad Calhoun led a full and vigerous life and left us at the high point of his career.” Palm Springs Mayor Russ Beirich said, “The community lost a leader in Chad Calhoun. In these troubled times it is difficult to find effective leaders in public agencies and it will be impossible to replace the expertise and dedication that Chad brought to the DWA and the community . . Russ Johnston, a longtime friend and fellow DPU member, said, “. . . I was continuously amazed by Chad’s clarity of expression. For a man well into his 80s, he was living proof that age need not be a barrier to a full and productive life ... He could outthink any of us and back up his views with unassailable data ... He was a rare man,’’ Robert Hird, district manager for Southern California Gas Co. and fellow director of the DWA, said, “We’ve lost a great leader. We simply can’t replace that kind of leadership ... it is too early to assess the impact of our loss . . .” Walt Hutchinson who will fill in as temporary head of the DWA said, “. . . Chad left a legacy for the rest of us on the board to live up to. I just hope we can fulfill his goals .. .” Edith Spitzer, another water director, said, “No one looms large enough on the horizon, or has the breadth of knowledge and personal commitment to solving our water problems . . . even a group would find it difficult to fill his shoes.” Paul Payne, DWA manager, called Calhoun the “driving foce behind solving the critical water problems confronting the entire valley. The effect of his pasing will be felt long into the future.”