The Quintessential Lasallian

While going over my things, I came across a publication containing "a collection of eulogies delivered and shared by friends and colleagues" for a man considered as "a quintessential Lasallian." Well, I agree that eulogies usually contain praises but allow me, for this moment, to treat the ones I encountered as heartfelt and true, as I wonder what qualities are possessed by "someone whose life continues to inspire" even after his death.

Here is the list:

• "He had incredibly high standards and was a demanding taskmaster. He scoffed at mediocrity and sloppy output and was quick to tell the owner so, in no uncertain terms."
• "He was very human and never apologized for it."
• "Sometimes he was too critical, at other times, critical of the critical ones but always the mover and the shaker with an open mind, a big heart, refreshing, liberal, and liberating."
• "Some said he tended to be arrogant; yet when he made mistakes, he was not defensive; instead he openly admitted them and apologized."
• "He never flaunted his friendship with (important people) nor with those to whom he felt closest. He was too decent and with much delicadeza to do otherwise."
• "His greatest contribution to the world was the gift of his person."
• "He shocked many with his pronouncements and statements that were sometimes reckless but often turned out to be true."
• "He was an iconoclast who questioned structures that were not life-giving and empowering."
• "He was a visionary who forged ahead, not believing in tradition for its own sake."
• "He was not afraid to break new ground, be a trailblazer, carve out new paths."
• "He was not afraid to speak his mind, make radical choices, make unpopular decisions, or champion causes that few people understood."
• "And while he was a maverick, he was also a very good religious."
• "His real greatness was in his selfless service."
• "The values he held dear as administrator and scholar: erudition, hard work, service to the country, love of one's discipline, assiduous scholarship."

This man really taught minds, touched hearts, and transformed lives. His was life well spent.