This column is not about how exceptional Hosny Guindy was as a human being. His memory as a person is cherished by everyone who knew him even remotely, let alone his wife Moshira, his daughter Yasmeen, the rest of his family and his many friends who miss him deeply. This column is about the legacy he created for his country and the world, Al-Ahram Weekly ; a newspaper born to live long after its founding editor is gone. This, I believe, is Mr Guindy's life achievement, for which he will be fondly remembered. For Mr Guindy, the Weekly was meant to be a world-class newspaper distinguished by the highest professional standards and ethics. To this day it continues to be dominated by this original vision. His fingerprints are deeply embossed on every page of the Weekly, even six years after his leaving this world. For the team of professionals who presently produce it, their ultimate aspiration as they turn to every new issue is to live up to the expectations of their former editor. This may seem incredible, but is in fact true, his editorial associates admit. In fleshing out the Weekly, Hosny Guindy had a vision of a powerful publication both in form and content. He knew that for this to be achieved, he needed the help of an unusual team that shared his professional standards and upheld similar lofty ethics. Attracting such a high- powered team as Mr Guindy did -- as well as scores of globally known creative talents in every field -- amazed many familiar with the limited means available to him. The key to Mr Guindy's success was primarily his own interpersonal skills, his openness to good ideas, devotion to the Weekly team, his sense of idealism, and his conviction that decent compensation was central to the art of motivation. The combination worked like magic, and both editor and editorial staff produced a publication that continues to this day to be the envy of the English language press in the Middle East. One final and unforgettable attribute of Hosny Guindy was his love of sharing. He did it so well that his life could be summed up in two words: his was a rich and giving life. Ahmad Abushadi
