Like countless others, Tom Lovejoy was a huge help to me over many years. He was always there, often behind the scenes, to make connections, give ideas, write letters or do pretty much anything to promote the cause of biodiversity conservation. He was an extremely efficient correspondent, and if I reached out for anything, a helpful response always came quickly, regardless of wherever he was in the world. He was unfailingly generous, thoughtful and cultured. It is hard to imagine the international conservation world without him - his smiling presence with his trademark bow-tie is something that I and many others will greatly miss. Thanks so much Tom.