For many, the news of the passing of Ruben Cuevas came as a shock.

Cuevas, who worked at Glendale Community College in the Admissions and Records Office for over 18 years, died on Aug. 21 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Cuevas is survived by his wife, Letty, and daughter, Luna. “Ruben’s spirit lives within us all that have worked with him and there is something for us all to learn,” said one colleague.

Described as genuine and selfless, as well as an “irreplaceable family member,” Cuevas was often a source of inspiration to his fellow staff.  A former Marine, Cuevas was also described as a fighter, battling what was a difficult disease. “Never met a nicer gentleman and colleague,” wrote one colleague. “May he rest in peace … we will miss him.”

Funeral services for Cuevas were held on Aug. 28 at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills. A Go Fund Me was launched by his colleagues to help cover a fraction of medical bills and funeral costs, with members of the GCC community raising over $19,000 to help. You can donate at bit.ly/RubenCuevasDonate.