Book of condolences / Kondolenzbuch

Dear Marcus, I worked with you for more than two years. In this time, your endless energy and enthusiasm stood out. In our biweekly team meetings, every time one of us were hesitant about reaching a goal or starting yet another project, you remained optimistic and adamant that of course we could do it! And: you were right. As a boss, you trusted all of us to make right decisions and to think independently. If one of us had a good idea, you supported us. If we had a problem, you helped us, without judgemet or recriminations. Your attention to even the smallest detail – without being a micro manager – was exceptional. We often joked within our team “When does this guy even sleep?”. I still don't know how you did it all. I learned a lot from you and with you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But, I also want to write about Marcus the person, and not only Marcus the boss. What I saw was someone who was at the top of his field, someone people at conferences stood in line for in order to shake his hand. But what stood out always is that you CARED. You cared that patients got better treatment, that no matter where they lived, they could have access to care. You cared to improve their lives through research, through raising awareness, through having an open ear during consultations, and so much more. This genuine care is something that cannot be faked. And so, when I think about you, this is what I will remember: An exceptional leader who was able to connect and galvanize people to a cause he truly believed in and lived every day, and whose legacy will live on. My thoughts are with your family and loved ones for having lost you much too early.