Robert n test biography of william

Dear Readers: I recently learned from Bruce B. Conway, president of The Living Bank, that Robert N. Test died last fall. Test was one of the pioneers in promoting organ and tissue donations.

In 1976, he wrote an essay titled “To Remember Me.” It was first published in The Cincinnati Post, and later in Ann Landers’ column and mine, as well as in Reader’s Digest.

Some years ago, I met Robert Test and was surprised to find a shy, middle-aged man who seemed embarrassed by all of the attention he was getting for a “little essay.” He said he had written it during his lunch break.

He told me he had only a high school education and wrote “for the fun of it.”

In my opinion, Mr. Test’s “little essay” is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read, and I think it is appropriate that I publish it again during National Organ Donor Awareness Week, April 16-21:

To Remember Me

At a certain moment a doctor will d