This text serves as an obituary and reflection on the life and legacy of Paul Ricoeur (1913–2005), a towering figure of 20th-century philosophy. Originating from a French Protestant background, Ricoeur was characterized by his ecumenical openness and profound engagement with theology and hermeneutics. His influential academic career spanned both France and the United States, where he gained significant recognition. The article emphasizes Ricoeur's strong personal ties to the Czech philosophical community and his vital support for the dissent movement during the Charta 77 era through the Jan Hus Association. It highlights his multiple visits to Prague, the honorary doctorate awarded by Charles University, and his participation in international conferences on hermeneutics. Although his extensive and complex work requires deep study, Ricoeur is remembered as a true friend of the Czech lands whose intellectual contributions continue to resonate globally. His passing marks the loss of a major European thinker whose greatness is still being uncovered.