He was a colleague of mine from when I worked at the parish in the neighboring town and a dear friend of mine stemming from my time there. He was an incredible person with an incredible personal story. And yes he was an ardent supporter of excellence in sacred music practice, as @melofluent put it. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Please also keep in your prayers the family he leaves behind, especially his wife and his young daughter.