I met Nathan on my first day at Metropolitan nearly ten years ago. He was also relatively new to the District and became my guide, helping me navigate the many personalities, programs, and policies. For several years, our offices were right next to each other, giving us plenty of time to talk and build a solid friendship. When he later moved to our Sacramento office, we stayed close, talking regulary about work and family.

A few years ago, Nathan was diagnosed with cancer—and he beat it. When it returned a couple of years later, he conquered it again. But earlier this year, the cancer came back with a relentless force, gradually robbing him of his strength - but never his spirit.

In his final weeks, we spoke often, and Nathan remained calm and steady—a stark contrast to my own feelings of panic and fear. I helped ensure that he and his husband, Moises, had the right contacts for navigating things like health care coverage and survivor benefits, but there was little else I could do.

When Moises called in late July to tell me Nathan had passed, it left a hole in my heart.

Today, I attended Nathan's memorial service in Sacramento, where I was honored to give one of the eulogies. As expected, it was a beautiful, funny, and uplifting event—a fitting tribute to a truly great man.