Frans: inspiring scientist, writer and optimist

As a Dutch biologist, I knew of Frans well before we became colleagues at Emory University. Having read many of his books, I remember the first time I met him during an undergraduate student's thesis defense. What struck me the most about this first meeting was how friendly, welcoming and inclusive Frans was. He invited a colleague and me over to the primate center to visit the monkeys that had become so famous for the tantrums they threw when they perceived it unfair when they received a piece of cucumber while others received a grape for the same task. I then had the fortune to work with Frans on several occasions, and got to know him and Catherine better over the last several years, when they also gave me advice on my own first book manuscript. It was shocking to receive hist first newsletter on his health in August. Yet, despite his updates on his deteriorating health, the tone of his updates was always positive. Frans was already an inspiration as a scientist and writing; recently he became an inspiration as a life-long optimist. I will sorely miss him. I wish Catherine all the best during this difficult time.