Nancy's speech at the FDA Tree Dedication

Hi, I am Nancy Karkowsky. I was married to Avi Karkowsky for 40 years, and he still could surprise me sometimes.

I want to thank all of you as Avi's colleagues for planting this tree in his memory. I don't know the names of all the people who contributed or helped--I only know Shari and Eli, but thank you all. As many of you know, Avi's family, his synagogue, his community, and his work were all very important to him. Some of you may have contributed to the 100 trees that were planted in Israel in his memory. Our family and his friends are working on a project to remember him in the synagogue and community.  Having something here at the FDA--particularly a tree that lives and grows near the child care facility--Avi did love children--is appropriate as well.

Avi had a very high regard, even a passion, for the work he did at the FDA and the people he worked with. As a doctor, he wanted to help people and save lives, and he felt that he and all of you at the FDA were doing important work and helping people and saving lives every day. So this tree will be a symbol of that.

As many of you know, he enjoyed being a mentor and a teacher. If anyone had a question or needed some guidance, he always had a smile to greet them and was delighted to answer questions and help others.  Being a father was important to him, and just as he wanted his children to be accomplished, he wanted all of you to be as good as you could be and achieve what you could to the best of your ability. Many of the people he mentored or taught were promoted to positions above him, but it did not bother him. He was happy and proud of them, almost as proud as he was of his children, and all of you know how proud he was of his children!

This tree is a lovely way to remember him. It will grow and last many years, and we can come look at it, and remember him.

But an even better way to remember my husband would be to continue doing what he did. I know no one has extra time or thinks they have extra time, but if someone has a question, try to take the time to answer that question and help that person. If someone passes you in the hall, give them a big smile and ask them how they are.  If you see a child, shake their hand or make them laugh. And when you take the time to smile or help someone in these ways, try to think of Avi and what he used to do. That would be the best way to remember him.

Thank you again. Our family is very grateful to all of you.