Last week, the University of Oregon lost an accomplished and ambitious student, Pedro Rivera.

Pedro was a 21-year-old economics major who would have graduated in 2016, a three-year employee of the Architecture & Allied Arts Library, a son, a big brother, a boyfriend, a friend.

Many who knew him have expressed grief over the loss, but more than anything, they are grateful to have had him in their lives.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Pedro was the first one in our family to do everything — to learn English, finish high school and go to college, and he did it with such grace and perfection. He made everyone smile, he hyped us up in the mornings, and was so excited to live and learn everything he possibly could. He taught me so much and did everything for our family. He is perhaps the greatest human being this earth has ever had the honor of having. My family and I loved him so much. I am so blessed to have spent these years with him.”

—Ruth Rivera, UO student, Pedro’s sister

“Pedro was an amazing older brother. He helped me in everything, and inspired me every day. My favorite days spent with him were the nights we stayed up till 3 a.m. talking about his hopes and dreams. He would tell me he wanted to be an architect one day and build the tallest buildings in the world, or be the CEO of a company. He was so full of life and so driven. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. I know his time was cut short, but I’m the luckiest person in the world because I got Pedro as a brother.”

—Evelyn Rivera, UO student, Pedro’s sister

“It is hard to express how truly special Pedro was. He was brilliant, always thinking and always asking questions about everything he was thinking. He loved understanding things, fixing things and finding solutions to problems. He was kind, generous, open hearted and very, very funny.”

—Karen Bankole, A&AA Library manager, Pedro’s supervisor

“There’s nothing I can ever say to describe what the world is missing because of Pedro not being with us anymore. My only hope is that his family and friends can try to remember all the positive things that he did for the world while he was with us, and try to carry that on through the rest of their lives. He’s completely irreplaceable.”

—Alan Sylvestre, UO alum, Pedro’s friend and co-worker

“Pedro had a big, open heart and mind. I think, almost every time I saw him, he would ask me a question, some procedural, but most were about architecture or art: What does this term mean? When did that start? Why does that look like that? He was funny, he had a spark and he was the kind of person you want to see when you need your faith in humanity restored. He had grand plans for the future and I have no doubt that he would have accomplished them and the world would have been a better place because of that.”

—Martha González Palacios, A&AA librarian, Pedro’s co-worker

“Pedro Rivera was an exceptional employee whose cheerful demeanor at the service desk was welcomed by library users and staff alike. He had a genuine interest in people and was adept at conversation. I often get our student employee opinions about library matters because they have unique perceptions of academic life and library use — Pedro had many insights and ideas to share, which I valued. He will be greatly missed at A&AA Library, but will always have a special place in our hearts and minds.”

—Ed Teague, A&AA Library head

“He was one of the most kind hearted, generous people I knew. He was always willing to help out with shifts and ready to have fun outside of work.”

—Erica Leishman, Pedro’s co-worker

“Pedro was such a smart, driven, ambitious guy. And a good friend. There are so many people who are going to miss him.”

—Zoe Ace, Pedro’s co-worker