univ.prof. dr. reinhard rieger, the head of the institute of zoology at uibk, died yesterday.
i never got to meet anybody whose enthusiasm for biology was as sparkling and contagious.
he was a mastermind in his area of expertise, and still treated every student as a colleague.
it seems like yesterday that (during a course) he showed us a live sea urchin through a microscope, explained it’s behaviour and anatomy, and made us realize his very respect for every living thing on earth.
on monday, i was talking about how i was looking forward to the next course he held.
now, i can only be thankful i got to attend some of his lectures, and will always remember him as a luminary in zoology and – most notable – a likeable personality.
may he rest in peace.