Tribute to a great man

Today marked the passing of a wonderful human being who I knew for far too short a time.

Heinz Richard Böse 22 July 1913 – 3 October 2005 was the grandfather of Lars and one of the best people it has been my privilege to meet.

Lars certainly inherited much of his entrepreneurial skill from his grandfather as well his warmth and charm. A better role model I do not know. I was welcomed into Herr Böse`s home with warmth and good humor and will never forget the times I spent happily in Blackenese looking out at the river and soaking in the feeling of acceptance in that august persons solid presence. Herr Böse was also a business powerhouse and was still active in the family business and always provided guidance and leadership. He also patiently explained to me once (despite my poor German)  how proud he was of Lars and his business achievements.

Let us express our solidarity with Lars and his family at this time.

I include a favorite verse that expresses the depth of the loss;

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead,
Put crépe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was our North, our South, our East and West,
Our working week and our Sunday rest,
Our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song,
We thought that he would last forever: ‘We were wrong’
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
So few have met one that was ever this good.