Remembering David Wallach
By
Bob Meyer
In
last week�s issue we reprinted IRTA�s announcement on David
Wallach�s passing. Wallach was 72 and had put forth a relentless,
unwavering five-year battle against inoperable lung cancer. I
remember our first conversation after he had been told the dire news
that he had six months to live.
He
didn�t accept the 6-month prognosis, choosing instead to immediately
fly to the renowned cancer clinic, M.D. Anderson in Houston, for a
second opinion and various options. Those initial months turned to
years as he determinedly squeezed as much living out of them as
possible.
We
often talked over the intervening years, comparing notes and
suggestions, as well as reminiscing about our love of the barter
business, our earlier years, our travels and experiences. (When
battling cancer one tends to become introspective.)
I
looked forward to our chats as Wallach was consistently upbeat,
interesting and very focused on being productive in his remaining
time here, even while undergoing his debilitating chemotherapy
treatments. After his initial prognosis, he served almost two terms
(4 years) as President of the International Reciprocal Trade
Association.
He
reiterated time and again that �these days are some of the happiest
and fulfilling times in my life.� He was very grateful for his many
friends and the great support system around him that he lovingly
embraced. Wallach never took his friends or his condition for
granted. And, in helping others, his life was significant.