Frans deWaal-It was always an honor to be in his presence...

Marguerite and I have been grieving the loss of Frans since we received the news shortly after his passing. His wife Catherine, has been my wife Marguerite's best friend for three decades. We have shared many meals together, and have always considered them part of the family we chose. Frans and Catherine were at our wedding in Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire in 1997. Catherine is the god mother to our daughter Makende who is pictured with Frans in an earlier post. Frans and Cat adopted our dear friends Brian and Zoya Gabler, who hosted them in Heidelberg some years later.

I was always humbled to be in Frans' presence. This world renowned, brilliant man would tell the funniest stories at our dinner table! We were blessed to know Frans personally. We were fortunate to share meals in our home, in his and Cat's home, and in other countries. We were honored to know such a man up close and personal. And while we grieve his passing, and miss him terribly, I can't help but think he's up there wondering what all the fuss is about, and feeling a little embarrassed. It took a man so filled with empathy and compassion himself, to be able to guide us to these same traits in animals. He lived a vital, critical life, and was never shy about sharing his knowledge and gifts with others. This memorial site and the news articles that have sprung up around the world are a fitting honor to a man who has left an indelible impression. For this and so much more, I say THANK YOU FRANS. Thank you and Godspeed....

Roger and Marguerite Stewart