I had the pleasure of working for Burt for 17 years, and I am really going to miss his cheerful optimism, kindness, and great sense of humor. He was truly one of the great catalysis researchers of our time, but you would never know it from his down-to-earth and humble manner. He led by example, and was able to instill confidence and loyalty in those who worked for him. In discussing experiments, he would always outline his ideas by writing out notes and diagrams, before tossing them in the waste basket. So, his students and researchers quickly learned to stop him before he did that, or otherwise they would have to go fishing. Burt enjoyed traveling and filming wild animals, especially in South Africa where he returned on numerous occasions. He also seemed to have an analogy involving animals for just about every situation ... these involved camels and tents, elephants and boxing rings, monkeys creating pictures, people fleeing from bears, ... the list was endless. I think I can speak for all of his students and researchers when I say that I learned so much from him. He was an excellent mentor, a wonderful friend you could always count on, and a great story teller. I miss him already. Most importantly, he was a caring family man, and he was so proud of his wife, daughters, and grandkids. Julie, Gwendolyn, and I wish you our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. Burt touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. with love, Gary