Goodbye dear friend and colleague

It is hard to know where to start. Such a dear man, such a friend to so many, an inspired and inspiring teacher, a devoted and committed mentor, a consummate colleague. The accolades and superlatives could go on and on. In the past few days, I have read blogs and email posts from friends, family, and colleagues. They all so richly capture the essence of Gonzaga.

I first “met” Gonzaga from his writings and professional interactions. He was such a bright man! Yet his intellect did not get in the way of his heart. Everything he did was from a centered, compassionate and passionate position. When I finally met Gonzaga in person, I was so glad to meet someone in our field with whom I felt a strong affinity. I wanted to hear all about him and his thoughts on such important issues as inclusion of people with disabilities and all of his efforts to move people with disabilities from “clienthood” to citizenship. Yet, as I began to ask him about himself, he stopped me immediately and told me about my influence on him. I was honored and humbled. And right then, I knew again the kind of person that he was. He was selfless, caring, giving, humble, and kind. He was the kind of person whom I am proud to have called a colleague and friend. Your spirit will not die, Gonzaga. All of your like-minded friends and former students will not let it. We will all strive to be the kind of person you were. We will all strive to be untiring advocates. We will strive to look forward, and not backward, with a contagious smile, just like yours.

Your department, college and university will miss you Gonzaga. You have left a hole. Rather than say, “ a hole we cannot fill...”, because I know that you would not want that, I will say, “a hole that we will strive to fill”. As Dean of the College in which you worked, I pledge to ensure that we keep your spirit alive. For starters, in the fall semester 2009, I will give a need-based scholarship to a graduate student in recreation who best exemplifies your work. You will not be forgotten. You will live with us.

And to your mum and your family, Gonzaga, although I cannot even imagine her and their sorrow, I want her and them to know that you lived a full life in San Jose touching countless people at the university and in the community. For a person to pass through this life with such an impact is rare. You will truly be missed by me and many, many others.

Charlie Bullock
San Jose State University