FUJI BIKES AND CRISPY FISH

A Professor’s dream is to have students who are also their teachers,
friends and colleagues. Gary helped me fulfill that dream.

I had the good fortune back in 1969 to be assigned as Gary’s
undergraduate advisor at MIT. He was one of those rare advisees who
came by often to talk philosophically about life, liberty, the pursuit
of happiness, and all the things that are wrong with an MIT education
(he had strong opinions even back then. While he was polite and
diplomatic he definitely was not timid about expressing them). When
Gary entered graduate school and expressed interest in the (then)
emerging field of DSP, I eagerly signed him on (or he signed me on)
for a Masters thesis. One memorable example of how his Masters thesis
was viewed occurred on a visit to MIT by John Markel who at that time
was one of the significant figures in speech processing. After a
meeting between Gary, John and myself, John enthusiastically exclaimed
about what a fantastic doctoral thesis it was. I quickly explained
that this was “only” Gary’s Masters thesis.

Although Gary didn’t continue his doctoral work in my research group,
he and I continued as close friends and collaborators. There were many
instances in which I sought Gary’s advice. He often had such an
insightful point of view about life and such a succinct way of
phrasing it, that I was compelled to write it down. I began referring
to these as “Kopecisms”. I have passed these on many times to others,
always prefacing with a recounting of what an extraordinary person and
friend Gary was.

As just one example of a “Kopecism”, when Gary was in my research
group he took on the responsibility for ordering and managing our
computer system (a PDP-11). Since this was relatively time consuming
for him, at one point I asked him to let me know when it was a burden
since he was here for an education, not for computer maintenance. His
response, as literally as I can recall it was “well, Al, there’s a lot
to learn even from ordering computer paper, at least for a
while”. This of course was typical of Gary; being able to see benefit
and stimulation in almost anything.

Another “Kopecism” that I repeat often to others came up when I bought
my first expensive road bike. Since Gary was very much into biking at
that time, I sought his advice on makes, features, etc. Eventually I
was debating between a Fuji and some other brand, the Fuji being
somewhat more expensive, but the premium bike at the time. When I
asked Gary’s advice his response was “It won’t take long to forget
what you paid but you’ll never forget which bike you bought”. I ended
up with the Fuji, still have it and never regretted the choice.

Another wonderful “Kopecism” was an offhand remark by Gary shortly
after I started running with him. I thought I was a reasonable runner
but found Gary hard to keep up with. He clearly held back when he was
running with me and he was hardly winded after a five mile run. I recall
when we first finished a five mile run, I collapsed and he somewhat
delicately said “I think I’ll go around again”!. Shortly after I
started running with him I asked what his mile times were and how he
did in road races. He replied that he never timed himself or competed
and I asked why. His answer literally was “I have enough areas of
stress in my life without adding another one”.

Crispy whole fish at a Chinese restaurant in Central Square (can’t
remember the name…it’s not there any more) became a symbol for Gary
and me. I believe it began with a somewhat traumatic event for me that
I needed Gary’s help with to sort out. He suggested lunch, we went to
the chinese restaurant. Over a long session with crispy whole
fish, Gary speculated on the “solution”, or more appropriately the
interpretation. He was right on the mark and his insight advanced my
view of the teaching process considerably. I have imparted this
particular insight to every graduate student since who has worked with
me, and many others besides. Gary and I spent many many hours over
crispy whole fish exploring other topics over the years and I always
think of those conversations and of Gary when I’m perusing the menu in
a Chinese restaurant.

Gary was a truly extraordinary person. I feel extremely privileged to
have known him, to have learned from him, and to have had the
opportunity to impact him in some small way. During my last visit with
Gary we talked a lot about meditation, Buddhism, views of life and
death and our wonderful friendship. The way in which Gary met the
challenge of his illness and continued to be positive, contributing
and realistic is an inspiration to me. In many many ways, Gary had a
major impact on me and undoubtedly on all of us. I will always cherish
the friendship that Gary and I had and will continually think about
him and miss him deeply until I join up with him again for eternal
discussions over crispy whole fish. In the meantime he will continue
to be my adviser and confidante. On many future occasions, I will be
undoubtedly be compelled to ask “what would Gary have said in a
situation like this?” and I’m sure he’ll be there to answer.

Al Oppenheim
January, 1999