Gene was my thesis advisor from 1999-2005. I've spent countless cloudy nights listening to Gene's stories that began with "When men were men and giants roamed the earth...". I still don't know what that means, but it always preceded some sage advice. Gene was a talented and dedicated teacher, both to his students and me. Though they were all apprehensive when he would teach his first class in renaissance garb, his students immediately warmed to his escapades, including the opportunity to drop eggs on his head. Many advisors are distant, but I saw Gene daily as he was always available. I learned so much from Gene's words and actions, as an astronomer and a friend, and am grateful for it.