Loss of Mario Canonico

I lost a friend and my band lost a great saxophonist and clarinetist on Saturday. Mario came from Italy; I am not sure when. He embodied a love of life and music, and always went out of his way to say Hi to me and wish me well. Our conversations were interesting, as he preferred to speak Italian and French and I spoke neither of these languages very well. Miscommunications between us in the band led to some comedic occasions. I had a chance on several occasions to play in a small jazz group with him and it was an honour to play with such an artistic man. Mario was sick with cancer and I was/am writing a big band composition for him. I should have worked faster, as it is nearly complete. It saddens me that he will never get to hear it and I will never get to stumble through a conversation with him again. Mario, you are missed and I am sorry that I did not spend time with you in those last weeks. I hope that we might play together again in another life. Rest in peace my friend.