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I C A R D A N e w s INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012 Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105; E-mail: ICARDA@CGIAR.ORG Website: www.icarda.cgiar.org |
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For
more information contact:
Dr Surendra Varma (s.varma@CGIAR.ORG)
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11 August 2005
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ICARDA Deeply Grieved
a state of deep grief. Bob was a unique combination of the deep and wide knowledge he amassed during his lifetime, the integrity he exuded in whatever he did, the true concern he had for improving the quality of life of the poor, and the great intelligence and a strong character. "Bob had a special place for ICARDA in his heart," said Prof. Dr Adel El-Beltagy, Director General. "He was not only one of the founding fathers of ICARDA but also one who guided its development into a 'Center of Excellence' to serve the complex problems of agriculture in the world's dry areas. He strongly believed in the mandate and mission of ICARDA, and was committed to improve the well-being of the poor." "Bob was a mentor and a guide to many staff of the Center. As the Board Chair of ICARDA, he steered the Center with great wisdom and foresight during the period when the whole CGIAR System was undergoing major transformation. Under his stewardship the Center continued to march forward with great confidence. Even after his leaving the Office of the Board Chair, the senior management of the Center continued to turn to him for his wise counsel and guidance," said Prof. El-Beltagy. Dr Margaret Catley-Carlson, ICARDA Board Chair, in her message said: "Bob truly loved ICARDA, the staff and scientists, the good work they do and the zeal they bring to the enormous challenges of agriculture in the dry areas. I had the great honor of succeeding-not replacing-him as Chair of the ICARDA Board: nobody could have replaced him. He was called on to lead, manage and govern great organizations. I talked to him a week ago on an ICARDA matter. His voice was firm, his judgments good, his advice had both wit and wisdom." "Bob was a wonderful man. No room, no meeting, no occasion failed to become a better place when he and Liz were present. He adored and cherished Liz, and her constant traveling with him brought great pleasure to all of us," said Dr Catley-Carlson. Bob Havener last visited ICARDA with the Nobel Laureate Dr Norman Borlaug in May this year. He took great pride in showing the work of ICARDA to Dr Borlaug. Who could imagine that Bob had come to say farewell to ICARDA and its staff and to have a last look at the Center that he built and nurtured for nearly three decades? Bob Havener has been taken away from us, but his legacy would always remain with us. His smiling face in his portrait in the "Robert D. Havener Executive Wing" in the administration building of ICARDA, which was dedicated to him on the 26th Presentation Day of the Center in 2003 in appreciation of his outstanding support to ICARDA and the CWANA region, will continue to inspire the entire ICARDA community to move forward on the path of progress shown by him. The Board of Trustees, management and staff of ICARDA, with a deep sense of indebtedness and reverence, pay homage to Robert D. Havener, and send their sincere condolences to Liz Havener. May God give her strength to bear this irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in peace. |
About
ICARDA: Established in 1977, ICARDA (www.icarda.cgiar.org)
serves the entire developing world for the improvement of barley, lentil,
and faba bean; and dry-area developing countries for the on-farm management
of water, improvement of nutrition and productivity of small ruminants
(sheep and goats), and rehabilitation and management of rangelands. In
the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region, ICARDA is responsible
for the improvement of durum and bread wheats, chickpea, pasture and forage
legumes and farming systems; and for the protection and enhancement of
the natural resource base of water, land, and biodiversity.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org) is a strategic alliance of countries, international and regional organizations, and private foundations supporting15 international research centers that mobilizes cutting-edge science to promote sustainable development by reducing hunger and poverty, improving human nutrition and health, and protecting the environment.