Thomas Markus Schindlmayr

To the Schindlmayer family and all Thomas' friends, my profound condolences.

 

I was a fellow student of Thomas in Gerry Simpson's postgraduate class on the Law of International Organizations at the ANU Law Faculty. We shared the fact that we had both come to International Law after working in other disciplines. I enjoyed his sunshine, his sense of humour and his astute, occasionally mordant, observations. Later, when I came to do research in the law school, he used to drop in and see me. I also used his excellent article on the use of the veto in the UN Security Council for my work on China. I was delighted for him when he told me he had got a job in the UN, and that he was to be married. So it was a shock to read of his death, when I had imagined everything going so well. It was a great privilege to have known you, Thomas. Farewell.

 

Ann

"Thomas and I were not intimate friends. I did not know his birthday date, we did not spend Christmas together or share any great secret. However, I cannot say that our relationship was just a professional one. In some way, I loved him, as many others in our community, because he was a loving person. Many good things have been said about him, all of them are true, he was full of virtues. But for me,  he was oustanding because he could develop a remarkable spirituality. He was not just about 'rights' (even the Convention was one of his passions) but also about acceptance and unity, unity within and with the outside universe. He did not move in this world as somebody that is "entitled to" or whom something was ought to. His presence always told us: 'here I am, ready to contribute, what can I do for you?'
At the same time he got sick, I came to know about my illness. Even he was for sure concerned about his future, he dedicated great time to listen to me and even to do some research about my illness, advise and comfort me, as well. I miss the long chats we used to have, working together with him for the Convention, and all these small little things we get without noticing when we are sharing life with lovely people like Thomas. Mostly, we all will miss his generosity, his attitude before life and adversity, his kindness and his wisdom. Thank you, Thomas for being part of our journey, for giving more than asking. We love you."
.

The news of Thomas' early death sincerely saddened me. I was a classmate at the European School Munich and although I last saw him ages ago, I will always remember him as someone who really impressed me with his intelligence, his cheerful and contended attitude towards life. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Thomas' family.

I am so suddened to learn only today that Thomas passed away late April 08. I was a Ph.D student in NCEPH where he was also working. I learned from Thomas how strong and kind a person can be against odds. One day, we moved lots and lots of boxes of books together for Jack. When he realized how tired I was after some hours, he said he could do the rest on his own and "bulldozed" the remaining boxes by his wheelchair. That was a fresh surprise. When he was writing an ESCAP report, he also kindly reviewed some of my reports and articles for inclusion. I am so sad of my finding that he had passed away and would like to send my condolence to his surviving family.   

My condolences to Tom's wife, family and friends.

 

I met Tom first time in the UN during 2003 and he immediately made an everlasting impression with his humor and intellect. Over the time I also learned what kind of a stubborn (in the most positive sense) spirit he had. I was so crushed when I learned this morning that he had passed away. 

 

I know Tom would have something witty to say, I am only able to feel sad yet so privileged to have known him. With his deeds and example he has made a difference to so many of us.

Esa

WHO/Geneva

Dear Inge, Julia and Family

 

It takes a lifetime to forget someone special and I know that a lifetime will never erase Tommy from your thoughts.

 

Rejoice in Tommy's life. My prayers are with you.

 

Love Hilary

Dearest Tom and Julia,

Life can be so cruel.  It doesn't seem so long ago that we were dancing and laughing at your wedding.   Always with a smile your memory will live on. God bless.

Tom, it feels like only a short time ago when we last caught up with him for lunch at Uni House on one of your trips back to Australia,.  Was it two years ago? We had a few laughs.  I always looked forward to your emails with that dry wit, but not the one that foretold the future.  You always left me in awe of your insatiable consumption of life.  We each have a journey and a lot of it is not of our own making.  My life, and those of countless others around you, are the richer for knowing you.  Rest peacefully.

To Julia, my heart goes out to you.  May each day be a step towards healing your loss.  I wish you well.

Kind regards

 

Marshall

Dear Julia, hope you find some peace in the knowledge that Thomas's life inspired the best in others. Could not be original but these words by Anais Nin sums up the thoughts I had when I met dear Thomas:

"Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
(Anais Nin)

I was very saddened indeed to hear the news of Thomas Schindlmayr's death. I would like to express my deepest sympathy and send my sincere condolences to Thomas's family at this very difficult time.

 

During the 1980's, I was Thomas's geography teacher at the European School Munich and also one of the organisers of the Model European Council and Parliament conferences, in which Thomas participated with great success. He took part in everything the school had to offer with enormous energy and enthusiasm. The courage and fortitude he showed in his daily life was an example and inspiration to us all. Although I last saw him about twenty years ago, Thomas was one of those unforgettable people, whom I feel privileged to have known, if only for two short years. He was in all sorts of ways a remarkable young man and one who will be greatly missed by family, friends and everyone who knew him.

 

In deepest sympathy and with every good wish.

 

Henry Christian