“He improved the way we worked and the job we did largely by never losing sight of the big picture,” said Bok. “I think when he came in, the Corporation was getting far too much into minute details and was getting overwhelmed...he was very helpful in getting us to think afresh, get us focused far more on large, important issues and get away from the minutiae. He really helped us redefine the role of the board.”

Bok said Heiskell’s sardonic sense of humor and strong personality made him enjoyable to work with as a colleague.

“He was a sparkling personality and a natural leader and very influential in his views,” said Slichter. “He was beloved by the other members of the Corporation and a wonderful human being.”

“Andrew Heiskell was one of the two or three members of the governing boards that made the greatest impression on me,” said Bok. “He really was an exceptional person...he had a very special impact on those people who came to work with him over those 20 years.”

—Staff writer Laura L. Krug can be reached at krug@fas.harvard.edu.