You were aware that María had been working for some time on composing someone else’s eulogy. Neither of us, though, could ever have imagined thatwould have to write yours first.

Life – Divine Providence in our understanding – necessarily has that way about it. It has ripped you from your roots with neither anesthesia nor warning, taking you from your beloved family and friends, from all of us at the FAR, and from the children andwomen of Rimkieta.

The initial wave of rage and impotence we felt eventually transformed into heartfelt gratitude to God for your presence in our lives, and in particular in the life of the FAR. I am deeply grateful to you for your quirky sense of humor, for your affection (obvious despite your attempts to conceal it), for your practical guidance in so many decisions, and for the peace of mind you transmitted to everyone (Mercè, Carme, and Fernando, especially) through your unwavering personal and professional dedication to Rimkieta. How truly remarkable you were, my dear friend!

As the “alma mater” of the entirety of FAR’s management data, only you could devise an efficient system that met the rigorous demands of this institution while also remaining simple and accessible. Your ingenuity made quarterly closings enjoyable even to a novice like me.

You did all this by leaving everything behind to come here, rolling up your sleeves, and immersing yourself in Rimkieta and its community with a natural affinity and vocation unique to a select few “crazies” like yourself.

Your departure leaves the entire FAR family an immense void that will be hard to fill. Yet, it consoles us to think of you up there with Uncle Pepe, who must be so happy to have you at his side. What a pair you’ll make, and what a wonderful time you’ll have together! Don’t stop watching over this this crazy social project that you so deeply cherished and cherish still.

Rest in God’s peace, dear Serge!

Juan Carlos and Maria