Last august 17th we received the sad news of his passing. From Bitafal we remember him with the same affection that he gave us forever.

This time someone without a name or face is not writing, I am writing from a place that has allowed me to meet Arturo and share many moments of me academic and professional activity. Arturo was me Professor of the "Roads" course at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Montevideo, was me mentor and reviewer during the two years of elaboration of the manual of High Performance Surface Treatments, he was sworn in the presentation of me thesis and also thanks to your letter of recommendation I was able to study abroad.

Dear Arturo:

I know that you will no longer be with us, but in this letter I want to remember you as I met you. I will remember you as a person of listening and infinite dedication, both as a teacher and as a mentor, you were always present in the dialogue, attentive to every word and with the right answer for each moment. I will remember you with a serene temper and with a great willingness to explain your point of view, no matter the time or how busy you were at the time. Nor can I forget your great sense of humor and your characteristic laugh that will be immortalized in time. I think we all recognize that smile.

On behalf of the entire company, especially Claudio, Diego, Santiago, Mariana, and on behalf of the students in your course at UM, I want to send you a warm hug, Arturo. I keep the permanent imprint you have left on me, I keep your friendship and I keep everything you have taught me. Thank you for crossing my path, thank you for training me, thank you for listening to me and thank you for guiding me. I don't want to forget to greet your family and friends, and tell them to be proud of the person you have been.

Will always remember you,

A hug from a distance, wherever you are.

Ignacio Kroger