Acharon, acharon, chaviv.... I'd like to thank the Institute for dedicating this lovely
garden to my husband, ~"1. It is a touching tribute to an earthy man who was at one with
nature. Early in the week, there were dozens of gardeners scurrying about in the rain,
and I was skeptical about its completion..., but here it is, in this land of miracles,
and I am moved.. .as Chris would have been, with the consecration of this piece of land,
on this campus... on the Sieff Blvd, in front of the chemistry building, the Schmidt audi-
torium, near the double helix sculpture... places he knew intimately and well. Chris himself
planted many scientific and intellectual seeds here which he saw blossom throughout his
40+ year association with Weizmann, both here and abroad. He didn't know it, but he was
the Cal Ripkin of the Weizmann, never having missed a single SAAC Committee or Board of Gove)
ors meeting in all- those years. Even last year, when he should have been recuperating his
cracked ribs after a car accident, he still came:here, although he was not his usual en-
ergetic self. So, why did he invest his time, talents, energies, and efforts here? He
had already spent productive times in so many reputable scientific labs in the world! Why?
He didn't come for the money, he didn't come because the labs were the best, or for the
adventure of fun and sightseeing...he enjoyed that too, but there were more exotic places.
He certainly didn't come because he had nothing else to do.... his Hopkins and NIH calendars
were always overscheduled with conferences and meetings....He came for the human element,
for the people here, and because he loved the ambiance of this place, the striving for
excellence. Chris was a man for all seasons;... he loved the non contrived informality
here, and the work ethic. He identified with the rolled up sleeves, the casual no tie and
jacket simplicity, the sense of mission in this developing country, the ethical and moral
value system.. .a11 coupled with the serious committment and determination to do good science.
These were his values too, and that is why Weizmann became an integral part of his life.

All this week, and each year, we see dedications of fabulous scientific buildings, this
year the ChemistryBuilding, and the Brain Research Center. I like to think that Chris laid
the foundation ---was a base--, for the growth and development of this campus. His con-
tribution to the Institute cannot be measured in dollars and shekels    . . ..although he
certainly did his share of schnorring with Marcus and Michael and alone. His contribution
was in giving of his own natural resources...of himself, and his science ---which is what
this place is all about.... and in this, he was a giant.  He was the influence for the Kimmel-
man Building, and the Canadian projects, and you just have to look around and know the
history here to appreciate his impact. The Prime Minister, Yitchak Rabin,z"l, in his letter
of condolence to me wrote of Chris, "His passing means the loss of a great mind to humanity,
and a great soul to the Jewish people. He will be sorely missed as a man of action, and as
a supporter and friend of Israel . ..man of vision and committment. Israel shares your loss."

Now, if Chris was here, he'd say, okay Libby, you said thank you, now lets go to Charlie's
Place for a beer!  But Chris isn't here, so I want to take a few more minutes and sort of
eulogize him for those of you who knew him, and for those of you who did not. Those of us
who knew him had it all. Chris was a rare combination of contrasts... a man of great strength
along with gentility, of unique Nordic charm, warmth and sensitivity, who possessed an amaz-
ingly brilliant mind. He always saw the big picture, and according to Ephraim, his genius
lay in knowing &&was the next important step to take.  He was a man who cried at classical
music concerts, but did not flinch riding his sailboat in turbulent storms of 20 foot waves.
He was eloquent and articulate, but usually elected to listen analyzing quietly and calmly.
Yet, he was an outspoken advocate for peace and human rights and political issues, and
travelled the globe for the oppressed. He had a certain shy and naive aura that camouflaged
a depth of wisdom and maturity. He was a man's man, as well as a man women adored. And he
had many talents. He was an accomplished musician, a three letter athlete, an intrepid
sailor, an engaging writer, a succinct editor, a sought after lecturer, a poet and an art-
ist. And he was ruggedly handsome! And although he was a world figure, he was very modest.
He was a pioneer, a devoted Zionist who excelled and thrived on challenges. It was he who
cornered the US East Coast market in three hours time for skins that would be necessary for
casualty grafting for the wounded soldiers during the Six Day War. It was he who initiated


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. /

the collaborat
own lab, where
His ebullient,
prolific resea

        ive flow of Weizmann scientists to the NIH, about 400 so far, many to his
       an international fellowship and exchange was formed that still exists today.
        energizing, non intrusive leadership style promoted a fine atmosphere for
        rch and exemplary researchers. He understood the needs, personalities and
goals of his Israeli colleagues and tried to accomodate them. He chose the Hebrew name of
Chaim for himself, inspired by the memory and goals of Chaim Weizmann. His religious back-
ground is interesting in that his Jewish maternal grandmother's family disappeared when
the Nazi's invaded Bergen, Norway.His parents were bible reading Lutherans, and he himself
was an agnostic until the later 70's when he studied and converted to traditiona, Juda.ism.
He felt the following quote from Einstein accurately expressed his beliefs. "The most
beautiful and most profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is
the sower of all true science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer
stand rapt in awe is as good as dead. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a
superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible Universe, forms my
idea of God." He xeroxed and distributed this quote to many.

Chris had a flair for languages and had mastered 'elef millim', and liked the lyrical sounds
of his selectively acquired Hebrew vocabulary --- 'parpar laila', 'akavish','halachnu',
'yamach shamo', 'lo mashmim! He taught me that a 'nod nafua' was a self inflated egotist,
and we chuckled like kids when we used our secret expression on this and other campuses for
a 'see and be seen' persona.

Chris really admired the grand group of International Governors, and their strong committ-
ment and dedication on behalf of Israel and Weizmann. There are too many to name, but people
the calibre of Marcus Sieff and David Ginsburg,  influenced his decision to devote his efforts
here. He travelled far and wide patriotically singing the praises of Weizmann, and his humor
and light touch endeared him to all audiences. He was intrigued by Meyer Weisgal, and his
unusual approach in prioritizing the esthetics of the campus, sometimes over dire laboratory
needs. But a mutual respect and friendship developed, which soon proved that both of their
goals were attainable and essential in creating the ambiance that we now see here.

There was a reciprical, enriching warmth that he felt with almost everyone connected to the
INstitute, from the smiling face of Uzi or Berman or Moshe who were always there to meet us
when we stepped off the plane, to the friendly welcome of the guards at the front gate, to
the Yeminite gardener who woke us at 4:30 AM for a year when we lived at Barney Shine's house
on the campus.

Chris was so.impressed with the diligent, kind and helpful secretaries and administrative
people like Ilana, and Ricky, and Rina, and Becky and Dina and so many more who made our
stay so comfortable . . ..And the abounding hospitality of friends that was so very special,
be it an extravaganza at the Selas, or a shabbat dinner with the Talmis or Segals, or a
Jerusalem weekend with the Patchorniks, or sitting around chatting with the people on the
shikkun . ..the Doestrovskys, Ruhmans, Elsons, and many others.

Chris also looked forward to the annual meetings with his SAAC colleagues, and the rapport
and professionalism and respect that guided them through gruelling days of concentration,
review and recommendations that were vital in shaping the direction of the science. Chris
had an impeccable standard of personal behavior, and treated all people from the janitor
and stock clerk to the director of Institutes to Kings and Presidents with equal respect...
as fellow crew members in his life's journey and quest to understand nature, and unravel
the mysteries of the human animal.

But far and above, were the people here with whom he worked and collaborated scientifically,
and with whom the closests of bdnds were formed with the creative exchange of ideas...
people like Michael, and Meir, and Sara, and Ruthie, and Israel and Ephraim, David, Arvum,
Michelle and Natan, and the list is too long, and I don't want to omit anyone...because all
Of those wonderful interactions that Chris had were positive... and their science and personal
friendships drew him back to this place, year after year, and motivated him to oour his
energy and essence into this setting where tikun olam was a reality. Chris is smiling now, if
he is watching us, from his special place, 'bimkm gavodo', at peace,and finally dnowing'what its
all about! It was a wonderful association, and his immortal spirit will always iive on here.
Thank WII ;\nain for this t.rih:rtP    Libby Anfinsen Nov 16,199s Rehovot