Dear David,

I regret not being able to say a few words at your retirement party; instead this letter will have to serve. I have very fond memories of working for you in the “Cart Lab” in the early ‘80’s — your easy-going, good natured style was a joy to work with, and your kind way of guiding us interns was much appreciated. I remember lots of bad puns and quips, which meant that humor, intelligence and creativity were valued — in short, it was a fun place to work! I remember the first thing you’d do in the morning (after stowing your bike and helmet) was to turn on the “morning cup of jazz” from the local public radio station, which introduced me to music I hadn’t heard before.

I loved how you took all of us interns out to breakfast regularly at the Egghead in Isla Vista. (Was this reward? Incentive? Mere fuel? No matter — we loved it and how you looked after us
hard-working students!) You always brought your camera to record these outings and one time, while getting the film loaded, you accidentally snapped a picture of yourself from below. Later when we developed it, you quipped “the last thing the egg saw!” (General hilarity ensued...) Another time, several students and myself were doing a fast for a hunger organization and you good-naturedly joined in. I think we made it to 18 hours and at that point were constantly laughing and bumping into things, which worsened trying to navigate in the darkroom. On a more serious note, I learned a great deal from you about organizing and presenting information graphically. And how to manage jobs — I remember the large job board with all the jobs written out, with spaces for each task to be checked off. Now that I own a business and work with clients, I surmise that this job board also served the dual purpose of dampening a
professor’s enthusiastic insistence that you should get started on their job immediately (and ignore their colleagues’ work ahead of them in line).

As I recall, we both worked out by swimming in those days, and many a lunchtime we’d go over, do our laps, and then chat by the side of the pool. I remember one occasion in particular: having just completed my degree, I was contemplating what to do next with my life (including a big decision about whether to work overseas), and we talked for quite a while. I really appreciated your listening and suggestions.

All in all, David, it was one of the highlights of my life to work with you. I’ve never known you to be anything other than kind, friendly, professional, and with high standards for quality —
whether it be in how you treat people or work. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate your retirement. And I wish you and your family all the best in the years to come!

Love,

Moira Hill

Santa Rosa, California December 10, 2006