In Memoriam: Frank John Fenner (1914–2010)

Abstract

Frank John Fenner (Figure), one of the world’s most distinguished virologists and a dear friend of many colleagues around the world, died in Canberra, Australia, on November 22, 2010, at the age of 95. This In Memoriam must be different from those usually published here. After all, quite detailed pieces are anticipated from the Australian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society, et al., and Frank had published a comprehensive autobiography (1). Thus, there is opportunity to present personal memories, hoping to provide more of a sense of the man, the colleague, and the friend of so many members of the global virology community. This tribute seems to fit in with the closing paragraphs of Frank’s autobiography, in which he reflects on friendship and special friends.