When a friend leaves: Carlos Falquez

We knew it could happen soon. It was God’s time, which determined the end. We encouraged the idea that this sad departure date was far away, but now we realize that it is not. The inexorable day came when you held your breath and it happened. Your friends deeply mourn your departure, even as we renew our commitment to perpetuate the great message of life you left us. You recently said goodbye to me, in your own way. Until your last generous sigh, you offered a hug and a smile that distinguished you, and without looking back, you closed your eyes and left. Although your absence will be material, the infinite legacy is alive and only then will we realize that sometimes leaving is the way to stay forever. I spoke with Carlos Falquez Batallas not more than fifteen days ago. Although I noticed that he was exhausted and his voice was muffled, he did not let a second of conversation go to waste: he easily provoked an intense traffic of criteria about life. He resorted to anecdotes and his privileged memory recalled the details of the night we dined with Miguelito Olvera. But the main theme was always to show how important it is to have many friends.

He insisted that friendship is the expression by which loyalty justifies its existence. Thoughts came and went. I could tell that at some point he thought that this might be the last time we talk. Before saying goodbye, he smiled and said to me: Remember, Canessa Oneto, that friendship is the right of the soul.

I met Carlos in 1974, when due to circumstances I moved to live in Machala. As expected, the main topic of our conversations was always sports. In those days my friend lived sweet times. In 1973, with the football team of Carmen Mora de Encalada, Pasaje, he achieved promotion in the B series of the Ecuadorian championship. Carlos was not only the manager of the club’s foundation in 1971, but he was also the rector of the school that bore the team’s name. Then in 1978 the team was renamed Bonita Banana Fútbol Club and in the middle of that year it was promoted to a privileged category and then Carlos invited me to join the board of directors, in the company of prestigious leaders such as Luis Encalada, Freddy González, Raúl Rivas, Wilson Armijos, Juan Escala.

Carlos’ passion was football. As the leader of Audaz Octubrin in 1987, he could have played in the final of the national championship if he had not been sent off by the referee who sent off several players. In addition, the central referee disallowed a legitimate goal for the Orense team despite the angry claims of Machaleños fans who followed Bonita Banana to Los Chirijos Stadium in Milagro. Faced with so much injustice, Falquez decided to withdraw the team in the first half in protest. On that December 20, 1987, Carlos Falquez declared: “I prefer punishment, because dignity comes first than bowing your head to accept injustice.” The fans of Orense applauded such an energetic demeanor.

He got involved in politics and turned it into an instrument of serving his neighbors, and especially his province. He stood out as a People’s Representative of the Social Christian Party in four periods. He was also the prefect of El Oro (1992-1996) and its governor (1985-1988). In 1984, he successfully led the State Sports Administration. In a surprising turn of events, he resigned from office in 2004 to run for mayor of Machala. He won convincingly, defeating the PRE candidate Mario Minuche, who had been in office for twelve years. The election of Falquez as mayor was the best thing that could have happened to Machala. He took a destroyed, delayed and attacked city and turned it again. He undertook difficulties with the strength and moderation of his character. Falquez was in charge of re-establishing Machala.

In 2008, Carlos asked me to praise the merits in the presentation of Eduardo Duhalde, who was the interim president of Argentina (2002-2003). I accepted, and he told me: “Thank you, but remember that Duhalde is tough, strong, but he has something that sets him apart: his sensitivity.” So, Canessa Oneto, here I leave the basics of your task”. Carlos Falquez, although he had a great ability to hold a colloquial conversation, was open about what he didn’t like. He knew that a smile avoids indifference, that a pat counters disparagement, and that he can hold a speech with a look.

His main virtue was persuasion. In a short time, he managed to persuade even his biggest opponents. Let those who did not meet him know that he was part of that legion of good people. He was one of those privileged beings who are soldiers of friendship, who seek a way of life in brotherhood. Carlos was sociable and faithful; He hid from the mistakes of others when it was in good faith. I have always considered Carlos Falquez a great executor, dynamic in public service, in sports and as a businessman. All these aspects support his successful career which he achieved thanks to the moderation of character forged by facing the difficulties he faced in his life.

He enjoyed virtuous strength. A few weeks ago, in another column, I recognized Carlos’ courage in bidding Machala as a substitute venue for the Copa América in 1993. His decision allowed Conmebol to be convinced. I keep in my archive the writing of the lawyer Juan Carlos León, who described the key moment as follows: “One Thursday in 1993, a crazy man came up with the idea that we could host the Copa América when Machala, without infrastructure, was a forgotten City. It seemed like a city lost and frozen in time. Eugenio Figueredo, the emissary of Nicolás Leoz, after learning that the leader of Ourense had the audacity to propose the dilapidated 9 de Mayo stadium, visited Machala. He left convinced that Carlos Falquez would be able to present a place that would meet the requirements.”

He reached the headquarters and the capital of Orense fulfilled his promise. He also found time to found Radio Superior in Machala, in the company of Rodrigo Pineda. His contribution is well remembered in the AER. With the departure of Carlos Falquez, the powerful voice faded. Now the memory remains of his indomitable will when he was winning or losing in political battles. Ecuadorians are in mourning. His absence seems to have caused silence, but it didn’t. Today his message sounds stronger. Eduardo Galeano said: “Only fools believe that silence is emptiness. It is never empty.” He will always be missed by his people. My desire is not only to remember it because it is easy for those who have a memory, but also because forgetting is difficult for those who have a heart (said Gabriel García Márquez). I confirm that my opinion it is not unbiased. It is based on an attitude of solidarity towards a friend, and that is why I am biased towards him. Today, the inspiration of Alberto Cortez comes to mind: “When a friend leaves, there is an empty space that cannot be filled by the arrival of another friend.” Rest in peace, dear Carlos. (OR)