I feel honoured to write this tribute for Chris, who was a very dear friend and mentor. Over the past 20 years, we worked together, played together, ate together and laughed a lot together. In a real sense, he brought an extra dimension of quality to my life. I miss him very much. His loss is deeply felt. But I draw comfort from the fact that I was blessed to be part of his circle of close friends. At our very first meeting back in 1997, I sensed that I was in the presence of a very rare human being: gentle, humble, calm, perceptive, insightful and full of energy. My hunch proved all too accurate in the ensuing years. His most enduring qualities – compassion and nobility of character – are what I shall remember him most for. Through words, thoughts and deeds, he showed me how we must care for others less fortunate than us. He also showed me how life is all about making a difference and leaving this planet in better shape. So, it seems only right to end this tribute by borrowing a quote from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. In the last scene, as Mark Anthony bade a final farewell to Brutus, he had this to say: “This was the noblest Roman of them all. His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, “This was a man!”. In the cathedral of our hearts, a candle will always be burning for Chris. Prof Amin Rajan, Create Research