IGIER-Innocenzo Gasparini Institute for Economic Research
iger@uni-bocconi.it
Marco Da Rin
Fellow
Milano, September 2nd 2003
Dear Arielle, You probably do not remember me: we met here in Milano in 1996 (or 1997) when Oved was visiting IGIER and you came for a short holiday. I remember we went for dinner a couple of times, and then you two spent a day in Bergamo during the weekend, having a nice lunch in a restaurant with a great view. I also remember Oved was very happy to be back to the town he had spent some years as a kid, and going back to see the street where he lived.
That is why I am now writing you this short note. I learned with great pain and sadness of Oved's death. We had been in touch for many years, met regularly at conferences and kept sending each others' papers. I really enjoyed his passionate approach to economics. Many people I talk to these days feel my same sadness, he is greatly missed in Europe. I knew he was being treated for cancer, but I hoped that his fighting spirit would eventually keep him alive for some time, at least the time to see his children grow up.
I lost my father when he was about Oved's age, and – like him- just about to reach professional security. I was 10 at the time, so I know by hard experience what you and the kids may be going through. I thought that seeing how Oved was appreciated as an economist and a person might bring you some relief, if that is anyway possible. Many people throughout Europe are thinking of him, you, and the kids these days.
I regret I cannot be more of help, but if you need anything I could possible do, now or in the future, please do count me: it will be my pleasure to help Oved in a special way.
And Oved was a special person.
With affection,
Marco Da Rin
