Susan Fitzpatrick

​I wish I could remember the exact venue where I first met Don - I envy those who can. I am sure it was after I felt like I knew him from reading his papers and/or hearing him talk. I do remember a meeting where he and Bob Knight were throwing a rubber chicken onstage if a speaker went overtime - it showed that wonderful wacky side of Don that lived so comfortably and so coherently with the serious, rigorous scientist and the thoughtful caring clinician. My other most vivid memory is an evening when we had Manhattans (the famous ones!) with Endel and Ruth Tulving ad then dinner at The Mill Inn -- including dancing. Don was a marvelous dancer. Unfortunately as a result of the Manhattans I could not feel my feet ... we made an interesting duo. Not everyone can be good at everything. But Don was -- research, clinical care, administration, mentoring, and friendship. Both the RRI and the OBI stand as testaments to his incredible intelligence and his deft organizational skills. It was when Don invited me to join he and Joe Rotman on the OBI board at the very beginning of OBI that I feel like we really made the transition to real friends. What a life lesson watching he and Joe in action. Don lived an incredible life and will always be in the hearts and memories of his friends.