Here are some thoughts I have prepared for Frank Heart's Memorial service.
Frank was a force to be reckoned with. I was a little nervous about Frank, not knowing what he was thinking or how he was going to react. And, this applies to the entire 35 years I was close to Frank, up through his last Birthday in May.
BUT, in that time, I benefitted immensely from his opinions, his support, and his encouragement. It felt terrific when he encouraged me and I worked hard to justify his encouragement.
I think one of our last topics of interaction illustrates a lot about Frank's love of new ideas that have a chance of making a significant impact on important challenges. Tom Fortmann, Steve Blumenthal and I were visiting Frank at Brookhaven lifecare community sometime in the last 12 months. In searching for topics to talk about, I came across my interest in drones. I described to Frank experiences I had flying my drone around Lexington and the amazing technology present in these remote control devices.
After a bit into the story, I saw that familiar look in Frank's eye, where I had touched his curiosity about what interesting things could happen with the proliferation and maturation of this technology. I told him that I would bring my drone over on another visit -- and he looked interested -- but a little concerned about how that would be received at Brookhaven. But Frank was curious and engaged right up to the end. At his Birthday dinner in May, I sat next to Frank. He leaned over at one point and asked if I was still flying my drone. Frank wasn't much for idle chatter, so I knew he was still engaged and interested in this technology that had captured his imagination.
Finally, one admonition I received from Frank that I will always remember: "Don't try to boil the ocean". He probably learned this piece of advice from all of the enthusiastic creative people who passed through his office in his many years of supporting and nurturing creative souls. And we uncertain, nervous creative types, thank him for that interest.
BUT, in that time, I benefitted immensely from his opinions, his support, and his encouragement. It felt terrific when he encouraged me and I worked hard to justify his encouragement.
I think one of our last topics of interaction illustrates a lot about Frank's love of new ideas that have a chance of making a significant impact on important challenges. Tom Fortmann, Steve Blumenthal and I were visiting Frank at Brookhaven lifecare community sometime in the last 12 months. In searching for topics to talk about, I came across my interest in drones. I described to Frank experiences I had flying my drone around Lexington and the amazing technology present in these remote control devices.
After a bit into the story, I saw that familiar look in Frank's eye, where I had touched his curiosity about what interesting things could happen with the proliferation and maturation of this technology. I told him that I would bring my drone over on another visit -- and he looked interested -- but a little concerned about how that would be received at Brookhaven. But Frank was curious and engaged right up to the end. At his Birthday dinner in May, I sat next to Frank. He leaned over at one point and asked if I was still flying my drone. Frank wasn't much for idle chatter, so I knew he was still engaged and interested in this technology that had captured his imagination.
Finally, one admonition I received from Frank that I will always remember: "Don't try to boil the ocean". He probably learned this piece of advice from all of the enthusiastic creative people who passed through his office in his many years of supporting and nurturing creative souls. And we uncertain, nervous creative types, thank him for that interest.
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