I just saw in the Honolulu Advertiser online that my friend Chris Pablo died today. While Chris eventually succumbed to cancer (two diagnoses in 18 months), one wouldn’t dare call him a “victim.”

About 14 years ago, Chris was diagnosed with CML: chronic myelogenous leukemia. He needed – and, fortunately, received – a bone marrow transplant. He spent the rest of his life as a Lance Armstrong-like activist, serving on committee after committee to battle cancer and advocate for organ donation and tobacco-free workplaces. It wasn’t just business – it was personal.

I was fortunate to serve on one of those committees alongside him and to get to know him a little bit. Even though we didn’t always agree on issues and even though I’m pretty sure he saw right through just how naive I was sometimes, Chris was always friendly, and it was always good to see him. The side effects of his CML treatments clearly caused him pain and discomfort, but he never let that stop him in his role as an advocate. If you asked about why he was grimacing, he’d tell you – but he’d be there to tell you.

Chris, I’m glad your suffering is over and cancer can’t get you anymore, but those of us in Hawai‘i’s cancer-fighting community will miss you. Thank you for all you did.