I don't think if he was "fired" as you queried, the CEO of Pyrogenesis would have maintained a long-term friendship with Alex and refer to him as the Michelangelo of his development team! Do you? As I understand it, he left Pyrogenesis to pursue other opportunities.
NO, Dr. Cavasin was not "fired", he left on very good terms and has maintained his relationship with the current CEO throughout the years. He "left" Pyrogenesis in pursuit of his own vision, investing all of his time and earnings in his own business and the scientific research that said business was built upon.
Mr. Peter Pascali enjoyed working with Dr. Cavasin greatly and was sorry to see his "Michaelangelo of developments" move on.