Friday, January 12, 2018
Dear Inge,
I was so very sorry to learn today of Byron’s death. As you know, I considered him my intellectual father, so his passing is a great personal loss. More than anyone, he is responsible for my approach to, and success in, discovery research. The attributes that he demonstrated throughout his life in science – an intense, methodical curiosity; scrupulous, critical evaluation of experimental results and conclusions; the highest standards of personal and professional integrity -- are ones that I aspired to in my own career. As a mentor, he was peerless; as a colleague and friend, he was unfailingly kind and supportive..
As much as I appreciate all that I learned about science from Byron, I am equally grateful for the introduction he gave me to the many other areas he enjoyed: music, literature, art, politics and popular culture. I will always treasure the many lengthy discussions we three enjoyed when you graciously entertained me on my occasional visits to Toronto, either in your condo or at one of your favorite restaurants (remember Trader Vic’s?). Over the almost 50 years since I obtained my Ph.D., the bountiful correspondence that Byron and I exchanged, first by letter and later by email, has been a source of delight and satisfaction, as well as occasional exasperation. I will miss everything about him.
Jean joins me in sending you our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Fondly,
Mike
