By María Gabriela Díaz Tico Times Staff

Rodrigo Madrigal, a nationally and internationally renowned Costa Rican political figure, passed away yesterday at dawn at age 82. Madrigal, a lawyer and journalist who served as a diplomat and lawmaker, among many other fields, is famous for his contributions to the Central American peace process.

As Foreign Minister under President Oscar Arias’ first administration (1986-1990), Madrigal contributed to the regional peace plan that won Arias the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. Madrigal worked as a journalist and became director of the daily La República in 1962. He was also a congressman in the Legislative Assembly in the late 1970s.

In 1988, he helped found the nonprofit Foundation for Peace and Democracy (FUNPADEM), a San José-based foundation that works to create better living conditions throughout Central America. “It is a great loss; he was a person whose ideals stayed solid since he entered public life. He always thought about democracy, and his thoughts never strayed,” FUNPADEM spokeswoman Elizabeth Padilla told The Tico Times yesterday. According to Padilla, Madrigal was diagnosed with a serious disease approximately two months ago and he died of complications during his treatment. Padilla said she did not have authorization from Madrigal’s family to reveal further details about the causes of death.

Madrigal is survived by his wife Miriam Faith, children and several grandchildren. His wake was held yesterday afternoon, and his funeral is today, following a service at Don Bosco Church, in western San José, at noon.