from Yaser Abu-Mostafa

I first knew Sam when he was a student at Caltech. He already had all the ingredients that make him loved and admired by so many people today. Brilliance and ambition are not rare in our circles, but with Sam they came with genuine kindness and an unfailing positive attitude. I am so sad that the life trials he faced were severe, and that I could not detect the pain he was in and maybe show him the same kindness that he showed me when I had a personal loss years ago. It was a joy to spend time with Sam, and it was a joy just to know that he was around. Rest in peace, my friend.