by Mike Sanchez Photos by gmhTODAY and Life Media Group

Individually , Rich Firato , Mike Cox , and Marty Cheek were all leaders in their respective fields . They were community champions and supporters of numerous causes and nonprofit organizations . Each man contributed to the community of Morgan Hill and the greater South County through their respective business endeavors , through their charitable acts , through their respective vision of a better community , and through their unrelenting pursuit of excellence .

Collectively , these three men impacted the community of Morgan Hill and the South County in numerous ways , they made life better for everyday people by supporting community projects like the Centennial Recreation Center and Amphitheater , Friday Night Music Series , Morgan Hill Freedom Fest , Leadership Morgan Hill , Morgan Hill and Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , Rotary , Community Foundation of Morgan Hill , One Giving Tree , Edward Boss Prado , and Community Solutions , just to name a few . They mentored and taught youth . They volunteered alongside their neighbors and friends . They shared their wisdom , knowledge , opinions , and solutions with anyone smart enough to listen .

There is a void where these men once stood . There is sadness . There are fond memories and there is grief . Each of these men impacted our lives in many ways we can appreciate every day , and in ways we may never realize . That is the mark of true greatness . It is proof of their iconic existence . It is the stuff of legends .

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To be clear , these were normal men . And to a person they would humbly scoff at this feeble attempt to claim otherwise . Yet , although normal , although simply friendly faces , generous souls , and caring individuals , they were , at the same time , much more than mere men .

Life as we know it has changed . It ’ s as if the heavens opened and a great wind descended upon El Toro Peak , lifting it from its firm foundation and whisking it away . The landscape is changed forever . Where a mountain once stood , there is a mountain no more .

Much has been written and much has been said of these men since their passing . There may be nothing more we can add to express our sorrow for their loss , nor our sympathy for their family and close friends . I don ’ t know if I have the words to adequately express our gratitude for the memories and lessons their friendship and leadership examples left on our hearts and in our souls . However , in the next few pages , I will make the attempt .

We have a feature known as “ Quiet Giants ” where we share the stories of people who have left their mark of greatness on others — their families , their peers , and their communities . Common traits of Quiet Giants include putting others first . They live life in a manner that furthers the cause of humanity and improves lives . They use their influence , platform , or status to help others with no regard for praise . They show kindness . They live by example not theory , and they leave clues to what living an impactful life looks like . These men fit the bill . These men are Quiet Giants , and so much more .

Rich Firato , Mike Cox , Marty Cheek . You are missed . Godspeed . FALL 2024 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com