Angela Cropper: Truly devastating news. To attempt a description of what she represented to me would require a book. Of all the good things that defined Angela, perhaps the most remarkable was the way she treated people with respect and empathy – and made each person feel special. She combined a sharp penetrating intellect, a deep commitment to her work and outstanding care for fellow human beings. And she had this amazing ability to simplify complexity into a brilliant and compelling narrative. When Martina Otto, Amedeo Bounajuti, James Mwangi and I were struggling, on the margins of a meeting that the Executive Director had convened at Naivasha, to represent the rich discussion that would set an important strand of UNEP’s pathway today, Angela joined us at a working table, listened and in her thoughtful way stripped bare the key messages from what was a rich and complex discussion. Gosh it felt good! And that was only the beginning. The next few years would represent a journey that those of us looking back can only say how lucky we are to have been part of Angela’s world and to have called her a friend, colleague, mentor and leader. We have lost an extraordinary mother and human being and I know heaven just received one of the most special angels. For that’s what Angela is. An Angel. And one that deserves to rest in eternal peace. I owe her an eternal debt of gratitude. She was more than a mentor to me; she was a friend, family and guide. I am devastated. R.I.P. Angela. God bless you. Max Gomera