[econjack]

I was lucky enough to spend time with Dr. Friedman on two occasions. Professionally, I don't think any one person had a greater impact on my life. Not only was he an intellectual giant, he was a gracious and kind person with a wonderful sense of humor. One of my students went to grad school in econ at the University of Chicago and saw him walking across campus. The student (with her charming honesty) approached him and said: "I thought you were dead!" He smiled and said: "I'm so happy you are wrong.", after which he talked with her on the quad for almost 15 minutes.

[WarrenC]

..."he was a gracious and kind person with a wonderful sense of humor."

That's what always struck me about him. In addition to his intellectual brilliance, he always seemed to radiate a kindness and 'just-plain-niceness' that I found touching.