FROM THE EDITOR
This is not an obituary for Dr. Bruce Greene. Recognition of his innumerable
accomplishments is easily appreciated by sorting through the mounds of tropical
disease literature he generated or by simply openings one's eyes to the
thousands who benefitted from his work. No - this is not an obituary. Call
it a personal testimony, or eulogy, or whatever you'd like, from a relative
newcomer to the world of oncho research.
When I first saw Bruce Greene, he appeared to be a rather formidable figure,
not only because of his imposing size (at least to someone with a 5 foot
frame), but also because of those many accomplishments. So - it was
with some trepidation that I approached my first OTF meeting. While riding
the train to that meeting, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as to
how I would be accepted by Bruce. Those fears were gone by the second meeting
though, for what I found was not an imposing, cold, formidable scientist,
but a very deferential and warm person who treated me as an equal from the
first day. He listed openly to everyone's comments and frequently pushed
for collaboration, between investigators. One of the things that I noticed
most, however, was his caring sincerity. He never failed to recognize others,
and I vividly remember the first of his many compliments for work I had
done for the OTF.
I don't know how many can say they honestly knew Bruce. He was a very private
person, and the face he usually "wore" was that of the scientist.
But sometimes his humor would show through and break up a long and grueling
meeting. For these fleeting moments - we were able to see the man rather
than just the scientist.
Bruce has influenced so many lives in a positive way. I suppose that is
one of the best testimonials that can be paid to another's life. The gap
he leaves in the world of tropical disease research is a considerable one.
Speaking, however, as only one newcomer who was touched by both his work
and his wisdom, I am proud to have known him as a colleague for even the
short time of one year. This is one person who will greatly miss both the
man and the scientist.
Bruce - I hope that his newsletter will continue to say some small tribute
to your memory.