Ralf was an icon in my area of chemistry and a friend as well. He epitomized a "German professor" since he was formal, meticulous, and always proper. He was also warm and attentive.
The contrast between Ralf and his beloved Yana was great and the pair was a very special delight. He was charmed by her and she was charmed by him. Yana added color and novelty to his life through companionship, collaborations, and most amazingly, culinary creativity. He was extremely proud of Yana.
Ralf lived a wonderful life in his beloved Berlin. He once described to me how his family escaped east Berlin before the wall. Each member of the family took a different strassenbahn to the west, where they rejoined and started their lives anew.
Many of us remember the inorganic rings meeting that he hosted in Berlin. He made a special presentatiion during this meeting about our safety and the fall of the Soviet Union. The combination of great science, momentous history, and deep friendships is a memory that I cherish.
Of course Ralf achieved international recognition through his research as well ashis textbooks. I am sure that he has a "to-do list" on his desk even now.
Many do not know that he was very active in the past two years with an industrial project that built upon his brilliant contributions.
Rest in peace Ralf.
Ralf was an icon in my area of chemistry and a friend as well. He epitomized a "German professor" since he was formal, meticulous, and always proper. He was also warm and attentive.
The contrast between Ralf and his beloved Yana was great and the pair was a very special delight. He was charmed by her and she was charmed by him. Yana added color and novelty to his life through companionship, collaborations, and most amazingly, culinary creativity. He was extremely proud of Yana.
Ralf lived a wonderful life in his beloved Berlin. He once described to me how his family escaped east Berlin before the wall. Each member of the family took a different strassenbahn to the west, where they rejoined and started their lives anew.
Many of us remember the inorganic rings meeting that he hosted in Berlin. He made a special presentatiion during this meeting about our safety and the fall of the Soviet Union. The combination of great science, momentous history, and deep friendships is a memory that I cherish.
Of course Ralf achieved international recognition through his research as well ashis textbooks. I am sure that he has a "to-do list" on his desk even now.
Many do not know that he was very active in the past two years with an industrial project that built upon his brilliant contributions.
Rest in peace Ralf.
