Not How Did He Die, but How Did He Live?

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain , but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man , regardless of birth
Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say
But how many were sorry when he passed away?