On Feb 1, 2008, at 12:28 PM, Noson wrote:
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Alex Heller. He passed away yesterday after a short illness. Details to follow.
Sad, sad, sad news indeed. I have to relay a story Alex told me not so many years ago when we sat next to each other at a conference dinner. I asked him about the last illness of Eilenberg, which was long and difficult. Alex visited him often, and after a stroke Sammy could not talk. On the last time he saw him, as Alex was getting up to leave, he saw Sammy wanted something. Then he realized he wanted a farewell hug. Anyone who remembers Sammy will recall he was one of the world's prime skeptics and not much into hugging. Alex gave him the hug, and just imagining the scene brings tears to my eyes. Dana & Irene Scott 1149 Shattuck Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707-2609 ------ Tel: (510) 527-5287