Dear Robert
In 1992 you accepted me (along with nurse Marta) to do the Intensive Palliative Care Course at Sobell House. That September we traveled from, Buenos Aires, and had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time, the person who would become the most important reference and mentor for the development of the discipline in our country.  Over time you became a companion and friend always willing to listen, teach and guide us.
You have visited us more than twenty times for educational activities in Argentina and Latin America, and we have traveled to your country two dozen times to learn and, over time, share our experience gained at the Pallium Latin America Institute for which you were a consultant.
From the beginning you revealed your enormous intelligence, through precise, varied, logical and austere language. That treasure that we admire and illuminates us, was enhanced by your deep spirituality, your humility and your commitment. You were not only intelligent: you were wise, and you poured that wisdom on so many people and professionals in so many parts of the world... including Argentina!  You gave us the passion for educating – starting by valuing what each one of us brings as experience and knowledge – just as you educated us, when we were beginning but our dreams were gigantic.
You accepted the challenge of bringing palliative care to the southernmost city in the world, when in 1995 we organized an unforgettable meeting in Ushuaia – with the participation of those of us who are currently recognized as local pioneers. The Pallium Institute is a direct result of your teachings. Even today we repeat like a wise mantra: “attention to details”, “EMMA and Socrates”, “it is possible to die healed…”
The sadness over your death is enormous, but the light of the Spirit illuminates us and colors our experiences with love and hope. For me my teacher, my mentor and my friend died. But you are still alive in my heart and in my spirit.
I have decided, not without doubts and many different emotions, that the best tribute is to reconfirm my participation in the Training of Trainers in Palliative Care course as a main teacher, formerly leaders of the Uruguayan society of the specialty, which will take place in Montevideo in the coming days November 14, 15 and 16. I will not be physically present at your funeral on Friday 15th, but we will participate online and with the spiritual communion that enhances the gratitude of your disciples from the Río de la Plata region. I will have time to hug your grave when I travel next March to the UK APM Congress, God willing.
Just as you wrote in the email you sent me at the end of September, I hug you. With Peace and Love, Robert!

Gustavo de Simone