A Life with Boundless Energy: a Tribute to Former AACE President, John L. Currie (1942-2015).

Abstract

The Reader’s Digest magazine used to have a regular piece in each issue about Bthe most unforgettable character I’ve ever met^. Dr. John A. Currie is one of the most unforgettable characters I have ever met. Tragically, the world lost his talents and energy at the age of 73 on April 22, 2015. He died surrounded by his five children and their families in his beloved Asheville, North Carolina. He always was a proud Btarheel.^ Hewas a past leader for our AACE, a visionary doctor, and a person with infectious energy that he spread to those around him. He was one of a small group of visionary leaders who turned the course of the great ship of AACE from a place of instability to a place with a solid foundation to build upon. John took over the finance and treasurer’s role and with several others at a time of crisis, his self-described Bfrugality^ helped save the organization and helped establish a resource base on which to grow. John assumed the presidency in 1995 and set in motion some of the strategies and procedures that exist today. I remember well his conversation with me about Bgetting more good papers^ for this journal. John established the R. Davilene Carter Presidential Paper awards that had as a requirement that a completed, reviewed manuscript about something presented at this annual meeting was required for consideration, and through this stroke of genius, the floodgates opened for great manuscripts. John was unique and unforgettable. I want to tell four stories about him.