It’s never a joyous occasion to have to write an article announcing someone’s death, be the deceased a close family member, someone familiar or even someone totally unknown to you. I’ve covered all those, professionally and personally, and they all touch the heart in some way.

Most recently, I was tasked with informing our readers of the passing of Dr. Antonio Mata, a veteran meat scientist whose passion for cattle musculature led him to help develop and discover all kinds of new beef cuts.

There’s an anxiety that comes with such a task, a concern around honoring that person aptly, in this case for Mata’s meat contemporaries and, of course, his family. Having gone through this process once again, then, I’m reminded of why it’s so important for them — and for me.

Hearing from Mata’s daughter, Marina, about how grateful she and her family were for the story, how well it captured him and, better yet, how it helped in their grieving process was rewarding. It reminded me of how I felt in the process of my family memorializing my dad, helping my mom choose what to include and what to edit out. Ultimately, I felt an intense gratitude and pride, which subdued the sadness.

The occasion also reacquainted me in fond memory of my late Meatingplace coworker and friend, Michael Fielding, who was first to cover Mata’s discovery and launch of the Vegas Strip Steak in 2012 through a series of online, print and video pieces that I remember him being so excited about. Just seeing his byline again made me smile.

Like Mata’s approach to beef carcasses, Fielding was always looking for new ways to add value for our readers. Like Mata, Fielding received many accolades for his creative approach to his work, but, also like Mata, nothing defined him as much as did being a husband and father. They were inspirations in both ways.

As I’ve told Mata’s daughter, Marina, my heart goes out to her and her family for their loss. But I’m grateful for having had the opportunity to honor their loved one with words, and I was warmed to see such wonderful comments about him in response.

I’d like to think of Mata and Fielding reunited, exchanging new ideas and sharing another thing they both loved — a good laugh.

Death delivers a punch to the gut and takes breath away. But if we’re lucky, we’re able to have worked and shared life with people who will continue to inspire us forever.

Kindred spirits

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