I first met Vantil during my interview. It wasn’t so much an interview–at least not like any other interview I’d had before–but a conversation. It seemed as if Vantil wanted to get to the real me, past any schools, qualifications or work experience. Later I learned that that is exactly what Vantil was trying to get to in my interview… and every day. Vantil always sought out the connection, with me and with everyone. In that way he mentored by example. He modeled being a kind, generous, insightful, fun-loving person who made the world brighter. I miss him and will continue to do so. Most of all I will miss the smile he put on my face whenever he’d talk to me… but I’ll still have that smile every time I think of him.