On the morning of March 9, 1998, Achim Kollmar died at the young age of 57. The neutron scattering community lost a renowned scientist and instrument designer whocontributed for more than thirty years to the development and exploitation of both reactor and spallation neutrons. But, more importantly, we lost a good friend and colleague, who among others, was gifted with the rare trait of being able to listen. His quiet and modest character straight away attracted others to ask him for advice or help.