I’ve just heard that one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Olivera, passed away today because of terminal liver cancer. I felt close to him, and wish I had a decent picture of him to hang on my wall and keep in my wallet. He was an outstanding human being of the sort that all men should model themselves after.

I will always be grateful to him not just for how he genuinely cared about my health and how he stood up for me and went out of his way to help me. God, there isn’t anything about him not to miss. When my cynicism was at an all time high, there he was! The world had seemed to be filled with nothing but worthless, cold-hearted, moronic masses, but Mr. Olivera was warm, intelligent, honest, altruistic, and genuine. I mean, when the rest of the world was busy with all of its bullshit and its dick-waving contests, here was a man who actually teared up and hugged me when I told him that my medical treatment really seemed to be working. He really cared, you know?

Mr. Olivera was respectful toward others, and held himself with both humility and dignity. He was a kind man with an enormous heart that he wouldn’t hesitate to share, and he actually stood up for people when he saw injustices. He was open and friendly to the point of being jovial with everybody who’d give him five minutes to win them over, but usually he wouldn’t need nearly long. Anybody who did not grow a little after meeting him is simply not capable of growth. His life was a teaching, an example of being a great human being, and we could all benefit by meditating on him in that context. The world benefited greatly from his presence, and everybody who had the chance to meet him or be his student should recognize it as one of their most treasurable and immeasurable blessings.

It is impossible to think of him without picturing him grinning widely and opening his mouth wide to give his big, friendly, signature laugh. I like that image of him, so I’ll close on that. Rest in peace, Mr. Olivera.

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