Services for Michael Danos, Sunday, September 5, 1999

Eulogy by Johann Rafelski 
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We are here to bid farewell to Mishka Danos, to accompany him
on the journey beyond, and to share with family this difficult
time of the loss of a father, and husband, and life companion. 
With us today is our host, Michaels wife of past decade, 
Sheila Fitzpatrick, his second wife Vicky Danos and their 
son Arpad, and his first wife Helga Danos and their two children
Johanna and Tamara, and Mishkas two grand-children. With us 
are his many friends and professional colleagues, just like me. 
However, I think that I have been closer to Mishka than is usual 
for two colleagues, or even a student and a teacher, for we 
share a similar world-path in life and many fundamental values
and have been many times testing our friendship in past 30 years. 

Understanding Nature, and helping others understand it, has been the
most important focus in Mishkas life. Against overwhelming odds and
World War II difficulties, Michael persevered in study of theoretical 
subatomic physics. He has proven early his capacity for judgment 
by selecting a teacher to match his intellect, Hans Jensen received 
in early '60 the Nobel Price for closely related work. 
From Heidelberg Michael journeyed to USA and after 2 years in 
New York, he made his definitive home in Washington DC, where he found 
his great friends.

Michael  understood  early on how important in making progress in 
research was the  diversity, the interdisciplinary approach, the
international  collaboration, all this well before these words became 
trademarks of  funding agencies. He took up every opportunity to seek 
this  diversity, to begin new research collaborations. Just when he was 
ready for a new major scientific adventure 30 years ago, we have met in 
Frankfurt. Even though I had already in Walter Greiner a thesis and study 
advisor, Mishka became quickly the dominant force in my long term 
intellectual development, and he remained a teacher for me both in
science and life ever after. 

Looking back, what attracted me to Michael was his willingness to share
his wisdom, readiness to help with all circumstances, his wide and universal
knowledge, his analytical skills, his ability to resolve insoluble and 
contradictory issues, his fast mind, and simply, the human kindness of 
an intellectual extraordinaire. The width of Michaels experience is 
unparalleled. He used every opportunity to deepen a hobby-level knowledge 
into professional contribution, and opportunity came his way more often
than not, considering his great human virtues. 

Over three decades and on three continents we met frequently and have 
worked hard, writing and publishing about 20 research papers and a book
together. We shared good and difficult moments. We ventured on daring 
journeys, for research for Michael has just the meaning that the word 
carries, the mission is to search and discover on your own path, and storms 
are to be expected just around the corner. Michael would never turn back, 
always looking forward to new discoveries and challenges ahead. 
And time stood always still for him.

We all  gathered here were touched by Mishkas life spark. In carrying on
considering what he would advise us we will in best way keep his 
extraordinary presence with us for ever. 

We stand here in deepest sorrow.