Luis Blas Cabrera discovered that he was the grandson of the renowned Canarian scientist Blas Cabrera while pursuing his studies in Physics in Madrid. This revelation, which might have remained a mere anecdote, instead propelled Luis into becoming one of the most ardent champions of his grandfather’s neglected legacy, which he endeavoured to reclaim for many years. Now, at the age of 78, he has announced his passing, marking the end of a life devoted to his family, architecture, physics, and the restoration of memory.
Brought into the world in 1947 in Madrid, Luis came from a family deeply rooted in the history of the Canarian scientific community. His father, Luis Cabrera Sánchez-Real (Blas Cabrera’s son), had resided in the capital for several years, specifically in the house which had been the family abode of the esteemed scientist. Having spent the latter part of his life recovering from the civil war, during which he actively participated with the national faction, Luis was born in the same residence where Blas Cabrera had lived extensively throughout his adulthood; however, he never had the chance to meet his grandfather.
In 1951, when Luis was just four years old, the family relocated to Tenerife, mirroring the young Blas Cabrera’s own journey when he left Lanzarote for Tenerife. In Tenerife, Luis Cabrera Sánchez-Real became a celebrated architect, responsible for several well-known structures such as the Anaga Building and Hotel Tenerife Playa, along with the outdoor chapel of San Pío X.
As he grew up, young Luis pursued his education in Tenerife until he moved to Madrid for university. There, he undertook advanced studies in physics. To his surprise, he learned of his grandfather’s identity while still at school. “A classmate showed me a picture of Blas in a book and remarked how much I resembled him; when I inquired about him with my father, he broke down in tears, with the only word he could utter being Papi,” he often recounted. Following that revelation, his career path shifted towards architecture. Although he never practised as a physicist, he maintained a close connection with that aspect of his heritage, even writing articles and delivering lectures on various subjects.
Luis was a kind-hearted, thankful, and thoughtful individual. However, what will ultimately define Luis Blas Cabrera’s legacy is his determination to revive the memory of his grandfather, whose remarkable life had been largely overlooked. When he welcomed his daughter Marta into the world, evenings were often spent reminiscing about the extraordinary accomplishments of the great scientist who stood at the forefront of Spanish science, championing the scientific progress of our nation.
In recent years, his dedication to honouring Blas Cabrera’s memory led him to recover his grandfather’s remains, interred in Mexico; witness the renown of the National Institute of Physics and Chemistry, receive various accolades in his name, and behold firsthand the multitude of cultural initiatives that have been established bearing his grandfather’s name.
His passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes, including condolences from the Canary Islands Foundation and the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, as well as those shared by this publication.
