“The greatest scientists are artists as well.” (Einstein)
I once asked Walter what he would have become if he hadn’t become a scientist; he quickly replied, “an artist.” Walter was an artist. He was gifted, like Thoreau, in the art of living simply but deeply. He was comfortable within himself and genuinely interested in every individual he met. His apartment on Claremont in NYC was always open to multiple generations of people from all over the world, for short or long stays. Many will never forget Walter handing them a street map, a subway token (or later, a Metro card) and a ring with three keys, encouraging them to go forth into the city he loved. Many marveled, upon returning late at night, to find Walter awake and eager to engage in good conversation. He loved art, literature, theater, and music (especially opera), and he loved the sea. He also loved and appreciated women. One night when Walter and I were having dinner at Le Monde, we overheard and soon became engaged in pleasant conversation with four young women sitting close by who were celebrating a thesis defense at Columbia University. When we were ready to leave, Walter, dapper in his beret and blazer, waited for his opportunity and when he had the young ladies’ attention, he said, with a kindly twinkle in his eye, “May I just tell you that I can’t wait until women rule the world.” Yes, Walter was a charmer as well as an artist, a scientist, a generous host, and a loving relative to all in our family.
Rest in peace, much-beloved man. Janet Pitman