Book of condolences / Kondolenzbuch

Dear Marcus, it is so hard to believe and accept that you will no longer fill our communities with your trailblazing ideas, your energy for building and supporting new projects, new teams, your charism blended in equal parts with kindness and personalized attention, your open-mindedness, your ability to bring people together, or merely to help them escape complicated situations in order to give the best of themselves to the truly important task, making this world a better place. I had the privilege of serving on the the EMBRN board for nine years during your presidency and past-presidency. Always smiling, open-hearted and with open arms, you radiated the best image of science and friendship. The exact day the news that you were missing spread at the beginning of August, I was receiving my first student in my new lab, an excellent student that you introduced and recommended as such. I take this as a special gift and last sign of connection. In fact, you supported each of us, but none of us was able to support you when you most needed it, when it was a true matter of life or death. It really hurts to have this persistent thought. My deep sorrow is surely nothing compared to that endured by your family, to whom I extend my sincere condolences. May your memory be a blessing for them, and for all those who shared several steps or more of your journey down here and are now committed to continuing your legacy.