“ Ali was the best of the best. He was unbelievably generous to everyone. Frequently, I think he thought better of people than we thought of ourselves; he was always so encouraging and engaging. He was the person responsible for me “falling into” my career in post-secondary education, by encouraging me to apply for a three-month position back in 1994; I will always be grateful to him for that. I am absolutely devastated that he is gone. I will always take comfort in remembering how happily and eloquently he described his summer in Istanbul with Ann a few years ago: I know he took a real break then, and had the chance, I hope, to deeply reflect on all of his incredible achievements up to that time. He was a force of nature. I remember giving a thank you speech for him, out at Dunsmuir Lodge, when he left us at UVic for the first time. I called him “Mustang Ali” at that time, trying to honour and capture his constant drive and energy. Wherever his spirit may be now, I am sure he continues to make the world a better place. I will miss him always, and send my deepest condolences to his family both here and in Iran. ”