Andy

1/31/2013

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by: Warren Furth
I am addressing myself directly to you, Andy, since, as Mike wrote, you’ll be listening to us.

Andy, when we first met 44 years ago, shortly after you arrived in Geneva in1968, I was so impressed by you that I offered you a job on the spot, which you promptly accepted – but were not allowed to take up because of dubious medical reasons. Some 21 years later, in 1989, shortly after my retirement, it was your turn to offer me a job, which I promptly accepted but could not take up because of other, non-medical reasons. In the period between these two events we became great friends and remained such until the end.

Our friendship grew ever firmer especially through our active collaboration in ACA, of which you were the founder, the engine and the guiding light. I came to marvel at your incredible energy, the volume of ideas that sprouted from your brain and the persistence and courage with which you pursued them. I don’t know how you had the time to do all this: did you ever sleep?

You had a vast network of friends and acquaintances all over the world whom you often helped with their personal problems and whom you enlisted in your fight for the many worthy causes that you championed. I once was a beneficiary of your warm kindness when you devoted some time and effort in ensuring that one of my grandchildren would not be born stateless. Whatever you did, you thought it was fun. When I once asked you why you had not gone into politics, you replied that if you had stayed in the U.S. you would certainly have run for Congress, maybe for the Senate. I am sure, Andy,that you would have become a great Senator and that, moreover, you would have had fun being one.

Good bye, Andy. It was fun knowing you. I shall miss you.



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