Harper Meyer co-founder George Harper died Monday at the age of 74, less than two months after he was diagnosed with liver cancer.

Harper, who was often called on to speak about Cuba, came to the U.S. from Cuba in 1960, two days after graduating from high school. Harper’s parents were wealthy rice and cattle ranchers on the island, but after the revolution they were forced to flee. His mother, a teacher, insisted he first finish his senior year so he would be able to attend college.