Goodbye José, our friend, our colleague, our comrade!

Dear José, just a few weeks ago, you were at the IYCW office, with many stories to share as always, … a true living archive of our movement. After five hours of training for the team and the new secretary general, the shy and sincere smile remained on your face! We were tired but you seemed full of energy and motivation!

“Well, I'm retired... if you need me, I'm here to support you,” you said.

José, at the International Secretariat, October 2025 © Leizyl Salem

Indeed, retirement and the cancer you had been fighting so bravely over the last years did not prevent you from continuing to assist us. Nor did they prevent you from devoting yourself to your passion, photography. You were so excited to show us some of your beautiful pictures.

You have been a vital part of the IYCW, helping us understand one another across our different languages and cultures. For almost 40 years, you devoted yourself to interpretation and communication, building friendships with countless leaders and comrades around the world.

We will deeply miss you — your voice echoing from the interpretation booth, your reflections, your social, political, economic, and cultural insights, and your memories of IYCW international meetings and gatherings. Above all, we will miss your warm smile and comforting hugs.

José in Australia, International Council 1991 © Françoise Denayer

Thank you for your friendship, your time, and your talent — and for sharing your life with us. More than that, thank you for your unwavering support and for being with us for so many years.

You are gone but you will remain forever in our hearts.

Goodbye José... our friend, our brother. We will miss you so much!

Our most sincere condolences to your beloved family.

José (bottom right, second row) in Brazil, International Council 1987 © IYCW 

José in South Africa, International Council 1995 © Françoise Denayer

José in Egypt, training session 1999 © Françoise Denayer

José in Macao and Hong Kong, action meeting 2001 © Françoise Denayer

José in Germany, International Team meeting 2011 © Geethani Peries