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Alberto Rodriguez Cano, a self-professed man of science and an avid mathematician, studied geology and became a trusted leader in the mining industry, overseeing safety measures in the mines of Peru. The field he chose was notorious for the risk of collapses without warning. Whenever the danger became realized, Alberto took the science of safety to heart as his own responsibility, and when safety failed, he faced the peril himself rather than send someone else. There is no stronger characteristic within a man than a willingness to endanger himself to save others. Alberto’s drive to help extended beyond his career. Once in the Andes Mountains, he came across an injured man on the side of the road and stopped to assist. The man was poor but also proud, intent upon repaying the kindness that Alberto had rendered. A few days after the event, the man came to see Alberto, leading a goat on a leash to offer as repayment. Alberto was wise enough to see that the man was not only trying to show his appreciation but finding a way to settle a debt to his benefactor. He accepted the goat, recounting the tale many years later. There was more to Alberto than science; deep within his heart was a love for art. This passion was largely reserved for his children, revealing the intricacies of drawing and painting while introducing science into the skills he taught them. He frequently composed poems, with the theme describing how he saw his family members as inspiration. His words were both idealistic and profound. For his children, he rendered his love for them in their youth as well as his admiration for their own accomplishments in life. An avid reader, he aspired to be an author and in his senior years, captured his verses in book form, with five volumes published. His love for his wife and children was always at the forefront of his personality. Anyone hearing his family tell of his life sees a heartfelt picture of how much he loved them. There was nothing he would not do for his children or grandchildren if it lay in his power. He loved to see their faces when watching a movie, and spoiled them with the best pancakes they ever tasted. He would dance with them, help them with their homework, and never missed a recital, ice skating show, or school recognition event. He often played chess with them or guided them in some inspired craft of the moment. His greatest life skill was his ability to turn a difficult situation into something wonderful. His last full day in life was spent with family on Thanksgiving. During the feast, he seemed rejuvenated by the dinner spread before him. His smile was heartwarming and contagious, and he expressed love and joy to the family around him, particularly to his wife of fifty-seven years. He passed away on a sunlit Autumn Day that in the evening, brought the first snowfall of winter. Alberto will live in the hearts of all who loved him, forever knowing how he valued life even unto his death.

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