IN MEMORIAM Albert H Kritzer

1928 – 2010

An untraditional presentation in memory of a great entrepreneur, scholar, and humanitarian, who was an irreplaceable “other father” and friend.

By Camilla Baasch Andersen

Keynote address at the “Global Challenges of International Sales Law”

conference, University of Florida Nov. 11-12, 2011

TWO SPEECHES ABOUT AL…

2008: Last time I gave a speech about Albert Kritzer he was in the room – and about to get a big surprise! The 2008 presentation of the Festschrift in honor of his 80th Birthday on the Vienna Concert Hall stage with Ulrich Schroeter. That was SO FUN.

Today: a goodbye to my “other father” who adopted me at 26. My age of 26. My parents were surprised, and frankly so was I. He took that job very seriously, and I miss him. While I thank the organizers for this opportunity - this speech is SO HARD.

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ALBERT H KRITZER – WHO WAS HE? Native of New YorkCollege of William & MaryDistinction, Cornell Law 1951Called to the New York BarJudge Advocate, US Air ForceDonovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine Law 25 years in legal section of GEInternational Contract ManualJoined Pace in 1991Pioneered and ran the CISGW3 database Ensured various case translation projectsInstrumental in the Vis Moot and its Alumni associationEngineered the CISG Advisory Council

YEAH, YEAH – BUT WHO WAS MY “OTHER FATHER” REALLY?

Al died at 82 “at the top of his game”, leaving an astounding legacy of accomplishments and people whose lives he touched profoundly – who was this amazing man and what were his main characteristics?

3 ways of life from my other father, adopter of grown-ups and lover of hats, which remind us – in part – of who he was and what he could teach us:• SHARING• THINK BIG• LOVE

Living life to the fullest, to the very last.

LESSON ONE: SHARING!

What kind of a man would:Spend their entire fortune financing ideas like the CISG database, case translations, and the CISG Advisory Council? Work 80 hours a week for one dollar a year for almost 20 years?

Sharing was his favorite thing: Sharing wisdom, sharing joy, sharing moments, sharing experiences, being generous with time, money, insight, and gifts… AND TRYING TO GET OTHERS TO RECIPROCATEWho buys a cashmere outfit for a

baby?!

LESSON TWO:THINK BIG!

Ideas to give the rest of us vertigo!Filled boxes in Schlechtriem’s garage of “Al’s Ideas”, many realized.

Imagine a young law student backpacking through Europe, writing presidents (like Josip Tito!) to meet them and chat about their countries!

Imagine an Institute Leader who contacts Queens and Presidents to get them to award student prizes!

Because: Where is the harm in trying? Don’t ASK don’t GET – but you have to think the thought before you can ask!

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A keen mind, and a powerhouse of ideas!

LESSON THREE:LOVEThe Al I knew was a man defined by love…

Not schmaltzy hallmark-love-stuff - although there was room for that too – but:

1) Love for what he did, love for ideas, love for potential, love for the law; sparking an intense dedication in him and those inspired by him. All that energy!!!

2) Love for the arts, love for good food and travel, love for humanity and fun; sparking a pure joy in him, which would make you want to be a better person.

“Everyone has to fill their own cup”

ALBERT H KRITZER1928 – 2010 “Fae doe, fraende doe, en ting ved jeg som aldrig doe: dommen over doed mands minde…” from Danish Legends of Viking Burials

[Enemies die, allies die, one thing I know doth never die: our judgement of our memories of dead men]

My judgement? Al was an amazing unlocker of human potential – his own and that of others.

Grief is hard: I am working towards saying with conviction that I am more grateful for my years as Al’s “other daughter” than I am angry at having lost him…