In Memoriam

Robert Dale Havener (1930-2005) eminent international agricultural research administrator and a long-standing member and supporter of the CGIAR passed away on August 3, 2005 in Sacramento, California, after a valiant battle with cancer. Bob leaves behind a solid legacy, and many close friends, associates, and admirers within the extended CGIAR family. Through dedicated public service and a life-long commitment, Bob had a major impact on the lives of millions of small scale farmers who were the motivation for his life's work.

Tributes have poured in from far and wide, mourning Bob's passing away, including:

• Margaret Catley-Carlson, Chair, ICARDA Board of Trustees: Bob was truly a giant among us … he was as adept in the corner office as in the cereal field. He was called on to lead great organizations, to rescue others, to manage and to govern … To say that he will be missed is an understatement. To know that he will be long remembered is a reflection of the quality and qualities of this remarkable man
• Adel El-Beltagy, Director General, ICARDA: Bob was not only one of the founding fathers of ICARDA, but also one who guided its development into a 'Center of Excellence' to serve the complex problems of agriculture in the world's dry areas
• Mohamed Nour, former Director General, ICARDA: Bob's name will forever be marked in the annals of ICARDA's history as one of its brightest beacons. He was a man with a noble heart
• Ismail Serageldin, former CGIAR Chairman: Bob was a man for all [CGIAR] Centers
• Meryl Williams, former Director General, WorldFish Center: Among my many memories of Bob was the touching way he and Liz Havener led the IRRI staff in a tribute to Dr Senadhira, a renowned IRRI rice breeder tragically killed in a road accident when on the job in Bangladesh in 1998. At the function, the esteem and affection of the staff for their beloved colleague and boss was openly expressed. Although Bob was just 'holding the fort' at IRRI between DG's appointments, he and Liz quickly became part of the social fabric of this important Center

In a note of condolence, Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, and Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director noted that Bob Havener's association with international agricultural research spanned some 50 years. He was “fully committed to the well-being of all whose lives could be improved by the benefits of agricultural science” they said.

A short account of Bob Havener's remarkable career can be found on the family website, www.roberthavener.com

*************************************************************

John Vercoe (1936-2005), former Chairman, ILRI Board of Trustees and former Chairman of the CGIAR Committee of Board Chairs passed away on September 28, 2005, while undergoing heart surgery in Brisbane, Australia.

John Vercoe nurtured the formation of ILRI and helped shape the international livestock research agenda. He guided the consolidation of the CGIAR International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA) and International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD) that led to the formation of ILRI in 1995.

“John has left a strong imprint on ILRI and international livestock-for-development issues,” said Uwe Werblow, Chairman, ILRI Board of Trustees. “He was a good friend as well as an inspired leader.”

John Vercoe's distinguished record of public service included appointments with CSIRO, Rockhampton, Australia, including Director of the Tropical Beef Centre, Rockhampton. He held consulting appointments with ACIAR, Queensland Fisheries Service, Meat and Livestock Australia, and since 1996, served as Crawford Fund Queensland Coordinator.

His enthusiasm, good humor and dedication to agricultural research will be sorely missed.