As long as I’ve known Massachusetts politics, Larry Rasky has been there. I’ve heard that quite a bit in the past few weeks. Most seem to think that’s the case because he had such a long and storied career — from Joe Biden to John Kerry to Rasky Partners. That’s true, but doesn’t tell the half of it.

Larry was around forever because, in a field where loyalty can mean little, it meant everything to him. He kept showing up. Particularly when the stakes were high and when you needed him most, he was there.

He was one of the first calls I made in my first race for congress. He was there with advice and guidance. He threw fundraisers and rallied the troops. He made every finance committee meeting and called in when he couldn’t be there in person. He always asked a question that I never really had a good answer to — and he’d ask it so slowly I’d have time to think to myself that I really wish I could ask his advice before I had to answer it. He also shared his son, Will, with me, who became a core part of my team.

He was a friend. He was a mentor. He was a good man who believed that public service could be good work. He was willing to work hard and take on tough causes because he believed those fights were worth fighting. He was right.

As grateful as I am for his friendship and support, I’ll always think of Larry and his friendship with another guy named Joe. The last conversation I had with him was on his birthday — February 9th. It was in the middle of some very tough days for the Biden campaign, but that didn’t seem to bother him one bit. Not because he didn’t understand the gravity of the challenge or the urgency of the moment, but because when a friend calls and is in need, you answer. Vice President Biden called, and Larry answered. He did the same for me and for so many others. For that, I’ll always be grateful.