Writing about Afshin is easy in a way yet difficult in another way. It is easy because he lived such a fruitful life that every one of his friends and colleagues has a treasure of memories from him. However it is not easy, as it is heartbreaking to accept that one must use past tense now talking about him.

Afshin came from North side of Alborz, from the green state of Gilan, a land well-known for its great scholars like Dr. Moin and Dr. Mojtahedi. He graduated from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran with a degree in computer engineering in the Class of 1996. He continued his studies in economics in then the Institute for Research in Planning & Development[1]. He was the brightest and most hardworking student of his class. This has been acknowledged by several citations that he had received as a student and then later as a researcher. His classmates remember him being active, focused, friendly and humorous in those days. It was not easy not to like him and it was impossible not to admire him.

After graduation he stayed in IRPD as an instructor and researcher. He participated in several projects contributing to the researches on the topics like the industrial structure of Iran, wage discrimination and the industrial strategy of Iran. He would stay in Tehran, not because he did not want to continue his studies, simply because he knew his fragile conditions by 2000. His medical conditions forced him to decline the offers to join graduate programs in the University of Minnesota, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Virginia Tech.

He continued to carry on. These years marked his most active and most productive ones. He published several papers, took part in several projects, participated in seminars, and thought courses to graduate students. He became the finest example for those who came to study economics.

He passed away on September 2003 leaving many shocked by the news, his leukemia was a well kept secret. Many of his friends will always remember him as an economist, friend and a brave man. His was an example of courage and determination. His course will be followed.

                        Ali Dadpay

12/11/03   Milwaukee

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