On Saturday, Oct. 9, I was one of the many who attended the celebration of life for Zino Mezoui.

I had planned to say words to the effect that follow when those who wanted to speak were invited to do so.

Zino's sudden and senseless passing has deeply saddened me to the point where I knew I wouldn't be able to speak.

Many of you know I have been playing piano at Zino's restaurant in Soda Bay on most Saturday evenings over the past year.

As we go through this journey called life, it is truly rare we meet people like Zino.

All who met Zino liked him immediately. This was voiced over and over by those speaking last Saturday and by the many conversations overheard at this memorial.

It is not hard to imagine how my also liking Zino right off quickly grew to love, seeing and interacting with this man weekly over those many months. I am very grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.

I've always wanted to pattern my own life on the Jimmy Steward character in the movie “It's A Wonderful Life.” In Zino, I found my George Bailey. “He who is truly rich has friends.” Zino Mezoui clearly had too many friends to count.

I will miss my dear friend Zino so every much. I am so much the better, and privileged and honored, for having known him so well.

David Neft lives in Middletown, Calif.