64.01 Utah / Geres: As we await autumn in Geres, Portugal, we cannot help but grieve over Mario, a true friend and gentleman, lost a couple of years ago.
Tribute to Mario Baptiste: I met Mario through my brother more than forty years ago. Apparently, Mario had a rough start with me as I was unable to provide him a parking bay at our garage. He perceived I wasn't amicable at the time. Although I don't remember the incident, to this day, I still carry the pain. Anyway, our relationship blossomed. Although we did not see much of each other, especially as we emigrated, during each visit to the home country we spent time with Mario. In fact, Mario never missed greetings for each member of the family, including birthdays, marriages, babies, holidays. When our son, Robbie, arrived in the world more than 36 years ago, Mario gave him a gift of a koala bear, a cute little stuffed toy. When Rob's son, Casey, followed nearly 5 years ago, we walked into the baby's room and behold, there sat Mario's koala. Rob had realized something special about Mario, too. Mario fled Mocambique in his...