Tribute to José Ignacio Fernández Rodríguez

A Heartfelt Farewell

In the early hours of this Sunday, José Ignacio Fernández Rodríguez has passed away. With him departs not only a colleague but also an invaluable part of the spirit of the justice system in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His death plunges us into profound collective sorrow, shared by those who worked alongside him and by those, unknowingly, who benefited from his generous, quiet, and unwavering dedication.

A Public Servant

José Ignacio was a public servant in the truest and noblest sense of the word. For years, he served as a procedural administrator in the Instruction Court No. 3 and in the Child Violence Court, two positions where indifference and discouragement do not belong. Day after day, he gave the best of himself, driven by an unwavering vocation, a commitment that knew no limits of time or emotional strain, and displaying an admirable integrity that combined professionalism with compassion.

A Wealth of Knowledge

Known for his affable nature, patience, and approachable attitude, José Ignacio was an open book on justice within our judicial district. His in-depth understanding of procedures extended beyond technicalities; he understood, better than anyone, what it meant to accompany individuals during the most challenging moments of their lives. He recognised that behind every case there was pain, uncertainty, fear, or hope, and he consistently offered more than his function—his humanity.

Compassion for Victims

He had a particular sensitivity towards the families of child victims, especially within the delicate realm of the violence court. His attentive listening, empathetic gaze, calm voice, and ability to provide comfort without condescension, and to communicate without causing distress, made him a silent reference point—a pillar for those who approached him feeling broken, in an institution that, thanks to him, felt just a bit more humane.

A Cherished Colleague

But José Ignacio was not just a remarkable professional; he was also an irreplaceable colleague. Amusing, jovial, and patient, he was always ready for an intelligent conversation or a timely laugh, able to turn any difficult day into a more bearable experience. His anecdotes—tireless and always full of charm—were part of the daily folklore of the court’s corridors. Each morning began with a genuine greeting, and each afternoon ended with a gesture of encouragement or a jovial joke. The tensions of any day were eased by his capacity to forgive and move on with grace.

A Legacy of Service

His approach to life taught us that one can serve with rigour without losing one’s smile. Efficiency and warmth can coexist, and commitment to justice does not contradict commitment to people. A court can also be a place where the dignity of public service flourishes when approached with the heart, as he did.

Today, it is not only we, his colleagues, who mourn him—those of us who shared coffees, shifts, emergencies, and confidences. It is also those who passed through his window, his desk, or benefitted from his support, perhaps unaware of his name but feeling they had been treated with respect, consideration, and kindness. An invisible but endless line of people who received from him a helping hand, a clear explanation, or a reassuring response.

Today, the judiciary that he served and dignified so much owes him an infinite debt of gratitude. People like José Ignacio are rare. His loss is not just personal; it is institutional. His legacy is immense, even if it does not occupy headlines or statistics.

We take solace in having known him, in having shared time and life with him, and in knowing his example endures, indelibly, in the memories of all who cherished, admired, and respected him.

Alejandro and Eva, his beloved children, will one day see this enduring legacy in their times of sorrow.

Rest in peace, dear José Ignacio. You leave us too soon, but you leave behind so much. Thank you for your work, your laughter, and your kindness. Thank you for everything.