Making Every Day Count, Inc.
Our All Volunteer Board of Directors
Judge Alvarez
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Judge Ron Alvarez. The Judge was a member of our Board of Directors since his retirement in 2014. As such, his experience and knowledge were invaluable as we considered requests from the drug courts and fulfilled our mission. However, it was his kindness to all of us and his compassion for the suffering in the community that proved to be our guiding light. He was the founder of Delinquency Drug Court, and with Judge Kathleen Kroll (Family Drug Court) spearheaded the establishment of Making Every Day Count.
Watching Judge Alvarez on the bench was inspiring. He was at once firm, funny and fair, and that’s what he meant to be. Observing him in court left one with an awesome respect for his ability to balance these qualities. On one occasion in Delinquency Drug Court, a young man had been having trouble being on time for school each morning. The judge asked him how that had been going for him during the last few weeks. The young man reported that he had been on time since his last court appearance. Judge Alvarez asked, “Why do you think that is?” The boy replied, “Because you call me every morning to wake me up.” Everyone laughed, but that was quintessential Judge Alvarez. Whatever it takes for “my kids.” We will miss him each month as we meet. His flashing smile was a welcome sign that all was possible. His heroic fight during his illness was just one more example to all of us of what he was made of and what we might strive to be. We are reminded of an old Irish story recalling the words of a brilliant student commenting on his old, slowing professor who had just given his last class: “Take a good look. You’ll not see the likes of him again.” Rest in peace, Judge. We are better because you were a part of us. |