Life is the stage where men are born, grow, reproduce and never die when they leave an enduring legacy. Some go by unnoticed, others leave deep traces.
Precisely, the actions, the work and the creative power were three elements that characterized the life of Gilberto Mendoza, an integral leader, in the best sense of the word, who made his way with his persistent effort and unlimited talent, which led him to climb important positions in each of his activities.
Coming from a humble family, but with ignited values and principles, Mendoza went to Caracas from his native Barquisimeto in western Venezuela to study in the academy. He is part of the first generation of industrialists, a career that served as an opening to support engineers specialized in the industrial area.
Mendoza did not have an easy life in his beginnings, but he made everything a success in each step that he took. He was a leader who passionately embraced all his activities. He practiced soccer and boxing. He joined the scout movement, excelled in the business world, was a philanthropist by nature and a committed all-life worker with one of the most important business groups in his country.
At El Palmar Central Sugar Cane, he developed an impactful work that even with his office intact, he is missed and his teachings are still followed.
He wandered in politics and was elected deputy, where he showed his social fiber donating his emoluments to social causes.
He was a cultured man, but modest. Consistent reader, permanent pedagogue, good conversationalist, with permanent humor and with a precise definition of justice. He formed an exemplary home with Elena Alvarado and his two children, Gilberto Jesus and Maria Elena, their pride.
But in the order of priorities, after his family his great passion was boxing, a sport that owes him a lot and of which he was the great transformer.
He never left one activity for another. Many of us always wondered how he could successfully combine all these passions together.
“With passion”, he would answer simply.
Mendoza arrived to boxing without improvisations. He left the academy. He got into the ring, was a director of the Aragua commission, where he lived most of his time. He made an international career until his name was proposed to lead the most important body of world boxing.
Mendoza did it. He was first elected in 1982 in Puerto Rico and did not disappoint those who trusted him. He led the agency to a good harbor. He was a man with an innovative vision. He surrounded himself with the best, worked hard for the health of boxers and their social welfare. There was no convention of the World Boxing Association where he did not present an innovation for the improvement of the activity. He was an honest man. He never lost his humility.
He waged his last battle like warriors do, fighting. In the end, the call of the Gods was definitive.
The warrior’s rest was necessary. He leaves us his work, his legacy, his combative spirit, his values and his vision that if you want, you can.
A year after, his physical absence feels more than ever. But his presence is there, lasting in time. Boxing, industry, scouts, us his friends, miss him with the same passion that he imprinted on each of his actions.
His stages as a walker are the example of a life full of successes.
