Emilio Ontiveros was a remarkable economist whose life centered on explaining money, investments, and how nations steer their destinies through economic cycles. He dedicated himself to teaching, founding ventures, and guiding business leaders and policymakers so that their actions would align with a sustainable economic world. In public life, his presence, voice, and insights were indispensable; few could match his direct, clear explanations of what was unfolding in the global economy.
His strength lay not only in his practical economics but also in his ability to translate complex ideas into accessible lessons. As an educator and partner to those who rely on economics to serve society, he could quickly distill the most urgent concerns, even amid uncertainty about mood or health. There was another facet of Ontiveros, a version who would appear in journalism discussions with the same calm, observant demeanor. He would shed the gray jacket, loosen the tie, and become one of the audience, ready to listen and engage. In moments of teaching or dialogue, he would immerse himself fully, letting the moment dictate the pace and the depth of the conversation.
Even when leading a class, he taught with a rare method: as he spoke, even the lay audience, including a journalist present, could sense the core issues taking shape. He had a knack for clarifying what might appear murky, offering practical theories that anyone could apply. His role extended beyond the lectern; he served as a pragmatic mentor who helped others navigate the economic terrain with confidence and clarity.
He lived to 74, continuing his commitments to radio and newspapers until illness finally weighed on him. His voice, tempered by cancer, carried the weight of experience and stayed true to a guiding belief: if a phenomenon cannot be explained, someone must illuminate it. Not only in economics, but in history as well, he showed that events are comprehensible when one digs into the facts. The spirit of his work echoes conversations with figures like Santos Juliá, a historian who, much like Ontiveros, relentlessly challenged falsehoods with grounded reasoning. In a vivid metaphor, Ontiveros sought to rest among stories, to understand them, and to make them understandable for others.
Ontiveros explained things with patience and precision. On many occasions, he would invite questions about what he knew or suspected, stepping forward to address listeners with a poised, engaging presence. He would let his jacket settle and his tie sway as he spoke, pausing only to ensure every listener grasped the essence of the moment. Time seemed to bend in his hands, as he guided others from fundamental questions toward deeper insights about the economy and its influence on daily life. His conversations often felt like conversations with the future—direct, sincere, and almost personal in their reach.
Meeting him was an experience that stayed with people. He possessed a broad curiosity, comfortable with football and cinema, and he could be amusing as an occasional actor with genuine warmth. Above all, his work as an economist was about people—their hopes, their futures, and the value of life itself. He carried a quiet optimism, a conviction that better understanding could empower better choices and a better world. His presence left a lasting impression; his sobriety and his steady smile were hallmarks of a man who believed in the importance of knowledge and humanity.
His loss created a profound emotional void. When his laughter faded, those around him instinctively tried to keep smiling, keeping his memory alive through shared stories and the enduring lessons he offered. His life and work remain a testament to the power of explaining the world clearly, of listening deeply, and of the stubborn belief that better economic comprehension can help shape a more just and hopeful society.