The Green Valley News loses “a work of art”
Published: Saturday, August 23, 2008 10:59 PM MDT
Opinion By William Wilczewski, Wick News Service

If you go to the Green Valley News and Sun's Web site, it doesn’t take long to find a link to Chief Photographer Mario Aguilar’s works of art.

Straight to the point, he is also a work of art.

Recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)—also known as Lou Gehrig's disease—Aguilar, 42, bid farewell to the newspaper Aug. 18 to focus full-time on his health.

As former sports editor of the GV News and Sahuarita Sun, I had the pleasure to learn much from Mario—not only about photography, but also about how to live life day-to-day.

For Mario—not most of us—it is simple. The Golden Rule: treat others how you would want to be treated.


It is that type of uncommon character that makes Mario a hit with just about everyone he meets. It may also be why his photography skills were recognized in 2007 by the Arizona Newspapers Association, which most-deservedly presented him with its Photographer of the Year award in Phoenix.

He has an insight most of us don't—and he is able to bring that out in the images he creates, with the heart and passion that only he can.

If you don't know Mario, you might be saying, “Okay, here’s just another farewell to just another person.” Trust me, though, if you would meet Mario, you would realize how far from the truth that is.

If you meet Mario, you would realize why I say that along with his photographs, he is a work of art, as well.

A bear of a man in stature—and, let's not forget his facial hair—Mario is the kindest bear you would ever be lucky enough to meet.

Want proof?

The shirt I have on my back right now was his.

Postscript: Mario, good luck, my dear friend! And, while no one can see what the future has in store for us, like Lou Gehrig, dig into that batter's box, fight off those curves and send those fastballs screamin’ for the fence.

(Editor's note: Wilczewski is assistant editor of the Nogales International.)




I am very sorry to hear about Mario.

He has been outstanding in his coverage of events at Sahuarita.

As you know, our seniors have been participating for about 12 years with the MDA shamrock drive. They have created all types of displays in the library over the years. Mario has been here many times to take pictures of these display.

Mario is extremely polite. This is the characteristic that jumps out at people when they come in contact with him.

Tom Dorgan, Sahuarita High School




Nice tribute to a great friend!

Thanks for sharing him with us all these years.

Jim DiGiacomo, Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce




Mario, I love you like the older brother I never had.

It's obvious you were born with a God-given talent for photography. Anyone can take a picture, although, very few can capture that decisive moment, that split second of emotion and that timelessness that goes with an award-winning photo. You did that, Mario. You brought the reader in. I know for a fact a percentage of people bought the Green Valley News because of your photos.

When I think of you, photography is but a spec of dust in the universe. You are the most gentle, loving, kind and giving man I have ever known. I believe God set me in your path to teach me about stepping outside of myself. I have learned so much from you, about what's important in life, and it’s not photography. It’s family, love, trust and giving back to others.

Several weeks ago while dealing with my own personal problems, you embraced me, Mario. You hugged me and loved me like only a mother could do.

You told me I was going to be OK. I'll never forget that, Mario, never.

I love you.

Scott A. Taras, freelance photographer, Green Valley News
http://www.gvnews.com/articles/2008/...ews/news15.txt