Obituary of Carlos Eduardo Cano

Carlos was a loyal friend who was deeply loved for his intellect, his wide-ranging curiosity, and his integrity. He came of age in Argentina in a time of political turmoil. After receiving his medical degree at the University of Buenos Aires in 1980, he made the difficult decision to leave the country and train as a psychiatrist and family therapist at Berkshire Medical Center in Massachusetts. His wisdom and compassion made him an excellent therapist, but he wanted to improve the lives of many people, not just a few. He studied health policy at Yale but didn't remain in academia, although his rigorously analytical mind would have made that a natural path. Instead, he decided to apply his understanding of science and politics to the fields of health policy and public health. In 1994, Carlos moved to Washington, D.C., where he helped raise his beloved sons and had a distinguished career in government. He served as Medical Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Senior Deputy Director for Community Health and Interim Director for the District of Columbia Department of Health, and Senior Advisor to the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at the Health Research Services Administration. He read widely, debated energetically, and played tennis avidly. He was a member of a men's group and a book club and loved to sing tangos on his guitar. While on sabbatical in 2010, he earned a Masters in Public Management from the University of Maryland. When his sons were young, Carlos was diagnosed with bladder cancer which was successfully treated. During the long respite before his cancer recurred in 2015, he was determined to engage with life even more thoughtfully and intentionally. He began a meditation practice, forging deep ties with friends at The Center for Mindful Living in Washington, DC. Learning to be in the moment helped Carlos develop greater compassion for himself and others. He fought the disease with courage but also with clear eyes. He strove to enjoy every minute of his time that remained, to have adventures, and to share his journey and his heart with his sons and loved ones. He applied his tremendous determination in the best possible way–-not just to extend his life but to enrich it. Carlos showed us that one can be at peace and truly happy in the face of a terminal illness. He leaves his sons Gabriel Alexander Cano and Matias Emanuel Cano, his pride and joy; his devoted brother Fernando; his loving girlfriend Margaret Klancnik of nearly four years; and his former wife and friend, Pamela Garlick. He was predeceased by his parents Tania de Patlis and Carlos Cano, Sr. The family requests that should you desire, memorial contributions in Carlos's honor may be made to Givewell.org