Senator Alan Cranston died standing up.

While preparing to start a new day, the 86 year old father, grandfather, friend, and leader passed away standing at his kitchen sink on the morning of New Year's Eve, gracefully exiting at the dawn of the new millennium.

The staff, board, and friends of the Global Security Institute, which he founded to further the cause of the total elimination of nuclear weapons, will deeply miss his wit, vision, strength and unwavering determination.

Alan Cranston used as a guide for leadership a quote by the Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu, which he carried in his wallet for years:

"A leader is best when people barely know that he exists, less good when they obey and acclaim him, worse when they fear and despise him. Fail to honor people and they fail to honor you. But of a good leader, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say, 'We did this ourselves.' "

Those who knew him and worked with him remember his utter humility and complete commitment to the task at hand.

Alan Cranston looked with hope toward the future. We reaffirm our profound commitment to completing the work that he began; our work continues undiminished and strengthened by his memory. We hope you will join with us in honoring his memory by helping complete the task.

Alan Cranston did not want honor for himself, but honored life itself by serving the cause of peace. We hope you will help us to follow in his large footsteps.

Please join the Cranston family and the GSI a Celebration of The Life and Work of Senator Alan Cranston on January 16, 2001, at 3 PM at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco.

Jonathan Granoff
CEO Global Security Institute