(Hypertension. 2001;37:825.)
© 2001 American Heart Association, Inc.
In Memoriam |
Donald Jeffrey Reis, MD
September 9, 1931–November 1, 2000
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Introduction |
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On November 1, 2000, I lost a great friend and mentor, and the world of neuroscience lost a stimulus that, in many ways, will remain unmatched. Don Reis died after a valiant battle against hepatic cancer. Don and his wife, Cornelia, bore the burden of his grave illness with dignity and quiet determination. That was just their way. Don was one of the most innovative biological scientists I have ever met. His reputation had taken him to countries around the world, and from those travels he had brought back stories that could keep a gathering of friends intrigued by his adventures and delighted with his way of weaving humor into the fabric of his tales. Yet the story of his illness was a private matter. To the end he shared his warmth and humor, not his fears, with his friends and long-term associates.
About a month before his death, Don and I talked by phone
when I called to wish him a return to good health. That conversation
exemplified what those of us who knew and admired Don had come to
expect of him. Despite his illness, he was looking to the future,
expecting another success as he awaited surgery, and even thinking
about his next scientific project and grant. He was, in fact,
already planning the strategy for that grant and fully expected to be
successful once again. His approach to everything was positive, and his
expectations were always for success. Years ago when I worked with him
as