José Bengoa

It’s hard to believe we’re saying goodbye to José. He left us peacefully on March 25th, 2026, at his beloved home in Cajón del Maip, surrounded by the quiet beauty he cherished. Born on January 1st, 1945, José lived a life brimming with curiosity, passion, and a deep, unwavering commitment to justice. I’ll always remember his laugh – a warm, rumbling sound that could fill a room and instantly put you at ease. He had this incredible ability to listen, really *listen*, and then offer a perspective that was both insightful and kind. He wasn’t one for grand gestures, but his quiet generosity and genuine interest in people made a lasting impression on everyone he met. I recall one time, we were hiking in the Andes, and he stopped to patiently explain the different types of rock formations to a group of kids, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. That was José – finding wonder in the everyday. Family was everything to José. He adored his children and grandchildren, showering them with stories, wisdom, and a love that felt as vast as the Chilean landscape. He was a devoted partner, a loyal friend, and a brother who always had your back. His work as a historian and anthropologist, particularly his dedication to understanding and documenting the history and society of the Mapuche people, was a profound expression of his values. It wasn’t just a career for him; it was a calling, a way to give voice to those who had been silenced. Even after the difficult years following the 1973 coup, when his work at the University of Chile was unjustly taken from him, he never lost his resolve to fight for what he believed in, becoming a powerful advocate for human rights, even serving with the ACLU International Human Rights Task Force. Beyond his professional pursuits, José found joy in the simple things: a good book, a strong cup of coffee, the scent of the earth after a rain. He loved wandering through the hills around Cajón del Maip, observing the flora and fauna, and just *being* present in the moment. He wasn’t flashy or materialistic; his treasures were the relationships he cultivated and the knowledge he gained. He taught us all the importance of empathy, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of a life lived with integrity. We will miss him terribly – his wisdom, his humor, his unwavering spirit. But we’ll also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of scholarship, activism, and, most importantly, a life lived with love and purpose. He may be gone, but the impact he had on so many will continue to ripple outwards, inspiring us to be better, to do better, and to always stand up for what’s right. Descansa en paz, querido José.