Andrew Long:
[Polish translation]
I first met Jos when he started working at night
in the office next to mine at Stanford, that of Matt Schwab.
This was apparently the period where he lay the foundation
for his new career at WebTV.
Matt was helping Jos learn Java, but it must be said that
they spent a good deal of time discussing "Life, the Universe and Everything" as
well. Both were well read and literate,
and both enjoyed proving it.
My initial "bond" with Jos came
when we discovered each other's delight in reciting
"Simpson's" trivia. It is amusing to read Jos's essays declaring that the world
would be a better place without TV -- he nevertheless clearly had watched a lot
of it during his life, as have I. As my wife says, "When we first met him you
knew you had a friend for life, unlike some people who you may know for many
years but will never share any kind of intimacy or friendship". Jos was
different, and spoke to strangers (us) like old friends. He was not brash or
outspoken though, and had an inherent shyness that was quite delightful.
Our
second "bond" was his delight at fixing my wheelchair. He was very proud to
tell us that he had previously worked as a bicycle mechanic. He was indignant
at my apparent dismissal of the fact that some spokes were loose -- to him this
was unacceptable.
Over several weeks I would stop by his office late in the
evening, and trade jokes with him. He always seemed delighted to talk,
regardless of what it was about. He "confessed" that he had come from a
"failed" political career at university (I hope I am recalling this correctly,
and am not misrepresenting what he said), wherein he had discovered that such a
life was not for him. He seemed a little melancholy about this period in his
life, and was apparently re-focussing on a new career. Not long before I left
Stanford he had obtained his job at WebTV, and was evidently very happy there.
We
had returned to Palo Alto to attend a big function in the name of Jos's father,
and which involved 25 years of past students and professional colleagues having
a big dinner one night. Jos's mother Diane wanted Jos to attend, but claimed
that Jos was not particularly inclined to attend an academic affair of that
nature. He was apparently convinced to come when told that my wife and I would
sit with him at the dinner. This was so touching, for although we got along
extremely well, and had maintained a sporadic e-mail contact, most people would
be less gracious and maintain their decision to skip the dinner. It was almost
embarassing too, because that dinner was a big event for the whole Claerbout
family, and we wanted Jos there for that reason alone. Needless to say we had a
great time, and Jos entertained us in his inimitable manner. Jos simply had a
natural way of making people feel special and comfortable.
I recall the
outstanding speech that night came from Diane, who recalled several humorous
stories from years gone by. Jos listened with great interest, and roared with
laughter at each of her stories, seeking her out afterwards to tell her much he
enjoyed her anecdotes and wit. Jos clearly had a great relationship with his
parents. Not long after first meeting Jos, his father had said to me with a
beaming smile on his face "I believe that you have met my son Jos". It was a
justifiably proud smile, because we had been initiated into the company of Jos
Claerbout, and as all who knew him can attest, that was a very happy and special
club.
I saw the photo of Jos and his dad both wearing what appear to be SEP t-shirts.
He gave me that t-shirt once, after I remarked that I would like one,
but they were no longer available.
He refused my objections -
I had to have it, he said (literally gave me the shirt off his back).
This page in Polish language
