Dear Warner, We miss you at DCI. My daughter has found memories of her chats with you. She recently said that you are her favorite doctor and she remembers you saying that she is your favorite architect. Warm regards, Ava

You've come a long way from: Effect of size and number of brain cells on learning in larvae of the salamander, Triturus viridescens. Science 1955 Oct 14; 122(3172):692-3. PMID: 13255909. I do miss working with you and Howard. Good things happened on your watch. Thanks! Bob

Dear Warner, I'm sorry to hear you are in the hospital but hope you are recovering and will return to work soon. The halls of BIDMC -- not to mention the world of informatics -- are not the same without you! Sending best wishes, Jan Walker

Warner, so sorry to hear that you are in the hospital. I hope you are feeling better soon. Our story started in 1986 when you gave me a chance to work as your assistant. I leaned so much over the 24 years we worked together. Your parience and knowledge truly helped my career. Your sense of humor made coming to work everyday so easy. I enjoy to this day our holiday emails we exchange. Catching up on our families and keeping our friendship going. I was always so proud to call you my boss. My best wishes to you Warner. Take good care. Laurie.

Dr. Slack (Warner), regret to hear that your Ill and in the hospital. Wish you a speedy recovery as it’s been far to long since we’ve had lunch. Hope you back on you feet again soon. Warmly-Melvyn

Warner, So sorry to hear you're in the hospital. I along with a lot of others appreciate the opportunity you and Howard gave me working in CCC and starting my IS career some 37 years ago. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Ellen

Sharon and I were upset to hear you are now the subject of CCC data. We will try to rendevous with you when you are feeling up for a visit. You know our hearts are with you all the way in your recovery. With love, Sharon and Jonathan Kleefield

Warner, you have always been the gentle visionary whose path encouraged many of us to go forth into informatics in a specifically patient-driven, patient-informed mode.

Warner - Mike and I are thinking of you and Carolyn and sending good wishes your way. Someone recently asked me where I started my career, and it brought me back many years to the old Computer Medicine Laboratory at Beth Israel Hospital. What a wonderful place to have worked, made all the better by your warmth, kindness and commitment to improving patient care. It was an honor to have worked for you and to have been part of the journey that helped bring clinical computing to where it is today. Thank you for the opportunities you provided, and all the best. Karen

Warner, I’m so sorry to hear you’re in the hospital. It has been such a joy to learn from you about the early days of informatics. Your thoughtful, and at times delightfully humorous, approach to user centered design serves as an example for us all. Wishing you all the best, Jonathan

Warner you have been a dear friend for decades. The path you followed influenced mine at many crucial turns. You may or may not have known that Robert Schilling invited me to be staff at U of Wisconsin (Madison) to fill your big shoes. Because I had not finished my residency he agreed to let me finish it at U of Wisonsin.. There I met John Greist- a colleague of yours (and incidentally his sister is my hematologist now) . John suggested I visit Joe Mamlin at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis. He said the thought the place would be perfect for me.. It was.. Then you and Howard invited me to Boston between '75 and '77.- the first of many trips to visit your lab. I was very proud to be your guest. Also have very fond memories of the visits to explore being a member of your team at Brigham and woman's. Loved you guys-- still do. Will never know about the path not taken., but appreciated your confidence in me and treasured the time with you. Then you took over MD Computing and brought it to new heights. You have always been a warm and strong friend, and I have always appreciated that deeply Love you Clem

Warner -- I had my preceptees over for dinner Wednesday night, and one of them asked how the Division of Clinical Computing got started, so I got to tell your story of the handwritten sign in the hallway (though not nearly as well as you tell it) and the lessons that it teaches about how to accomplish things! I'll get back in to see you soon... David

Hello Warner: Great idea to provide this type of communication! I think of you often and miss your presence here. I wish the best for you and your family. I do hope to see back here - certainly sooner than the start of the rabbi's class in August Herman

Warner, you and Carolyn are in my thoughts daily.. You have set another example of warmth and friendship that is as important here at Lasell Village as you have in the medical world. We are fortunate to have you both here.

Warner, we are all thinking about you and wishing you WEll. Please do come back to us sooñ, And HAPPY BIRTHDAY these are a few villagers singing Jane Hyman

Dear Warner In my more than 50 years at the BI I have met many great original thinkers, many great physicians and many great scientists -- as well as a few, like you, that were outstanding in all three. I have benefited from your friendship and still remember some of our non medical discussions (e.g. the poor performance of the SAT as opposed to high school grades as a predictor of success in college.) You are simply the BEST. With my deepest hope for a speedy recovery. Julie

Warner, When we first met at the BI almost 50 years ago, our friendship was sealed (and has steadily grown from there). You have been a dear friend and colleague from Day 1. One vignette defines who you are as a person. In the early 70's you were selected by Howard Hiatt to Chair the Intern Selection Committee, and you asked me to join the committee. In your role I quickly understood your commitment to equality and equal opportunity -- you wore your compassion on your sleeve. You rightfully noted that one of our missions is to provide training for all individuals who would benefit from a BI training and exposure to our inclusive hospital environment. You led the charge to recruit minority and disadvantaged applicants, setting a moral compass for all to follow. Your success in achieving this goal was noted by all -- as our minority house staff grew and flourished here. ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR LEADERSHIP. You lifted all of us to a higher level, always employing the Marine mantra of 'follow me'. And follow you we did. As is typical of you, you were a man ahead of his time. You led the charge that the BI would be a warm community for all. I tip my head and my heart to a cherished friend. Thank you be being a leading light for me.

Dear Dr Slack, I’m sorry to hear about your illness. I would like to let you know about the impact you made on my career. We met in the summer of 2012 when I carried out a research project at BIDMC. I was in Boston for just two weeks when you came to me and asked about healthcare in the Netherlands. And somehow we managed to talk for more than an hour about patient empowerment, about the start of DCI, and about the impact of computers in hospitals in doctors. You’ve inspired me to look beyond the daily difficulties of healthcare management: anything is possible and I can make anything happen. That’s what I learned from our talks. Thank you. I wish you and your family all the best. Stephanie The Dutch DCI staff member

Dear Warner, You have been a rock for my Dad and my family. You and Carolyn have always been so warm, welcoming, and loving. Thank you. I will see you soon.

Warner, we met in 2014 as part of the BIRT fellowship. You've been a visionary with always the patient in mind. You are always kind and warm, a truly bright star of positivity. Thank you and wishing you the best on your road to recovery. ....Mark

Linda and I are forever thankful to count you and Carolyn as friends. We will “hold you in the light” in the spirit of the Quaker greeting. Thank you for being my teacher. You are an exemplar of Plutarch’s adage that “Teaching is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

Warner, You have had such a profound and positive impact on my life. Thank you for offering me my first real job, and thank you for being my second father during my post-college years. I will never forget my first post-college Thanksgiving (way back in 1983!) when you and Carolyn (along with Charlie) were kind enough to include me in your family get-together. No one who has ever known you could ever forget your wise counsel, your infectious grin, and the amazing twinkle in your eye when you have a story to tell - and you've got a lot of great ones! All my best, Mike

Warner Throughout the years I've known you, you have been such an inspiration to me. My latest grant using patient preferences in healthcare just got funded by the NLM. It focuses on data science as a tool for making care more patient-centered. In particular, the work helps physicians 'profile' patients based on patterns in their preferences and then seeks to predict what treatment makes persons of a given pattern happiest or most satisfied. The technology is adapted from Amazon and is something called a 'recommender system.' It is all built on the idea of allowing patients to tell each other what works. I am thinking of you. Warmest regards, Les

Hi, Warner.... We both have birthdays coming up in the next week or so, and in our ninth decade we can't expect them to be the best ever for either of us. I can't tell you how sorry I am that you've had to endure so many trials in the past few months. What I can tell you, though, is that the best break of my eighty-some years was drawing you as my roommate when we went off to college. We made a lot of good friends there, together and separately, and we've managed to keep some of them to this day, But I've never had another whose company I enjoyed so much, whose integrity I respected as much, or whose brain I'd rather have access to on a desert island. I could go on at length, but I think your colleague Charlie Safran has nailed it for me and probably a lot of other contributors to this document: With Warner it's just better.

Dear Warner, It's been an honor to have had the opportunity to work with you and to be mentored by you. Lessons I have learned from you on patient empowerment, and the need for computer/ technology to be helpful for patients and clinicians alike are principles I will carry with me throughout my professional career. Your kindness, open mindedness, and willingness of help everyone are values that I try to inculcate in me everyday. You are a great inspiration both for my personal and professional life, and want to thank you for being my mentor. With lots of love and warm regards, Adarsha

Dear Warner, I will always treasure our lunches in the old cafeteria when the BI was much smaller and we tried to tackle Nixon and his ilk. Your wisdom, warmth and good humor are irreplaceable. Mark

Dear Warner, If your birthday cake on June 10th has a candle for every friend and colleague who has come under your spell of kindness and generosity, then there will be a three alarm fire! We want you and your beloved hospital to remain standing; so instead of creating a blaze, may you light one candle, gaze into its flame, and imagine that you are surrounded by the love and laughter of the friends whose thoughts are represented here, and the thousands more whose lives you have touched and positively changed. At Lasell Village, where education is at our heart, you have been a quiet teacher: you have taught me so much about what it means to be a leader. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life lessons through your everyday actions, intellect, and dazzling smiles and hugs. You and Carolyn create goodness wherever you go. I am deeply grateful. With affection and birthday wishes, Anne

Warner and I are overwhelmed with the Wonderful messages from all of you. Reading them to him has been a joyous part of each day. Warner has loved his time with each of you and thanks you Deeply for being such a special part of his life. Warm wishes to all of you and much gratitude from me, Warner’s wife of 62 amazing years. Carolyn

Warner, from our very first introduction more than 22 years ago I was in awe of the gentleman you are. Always kind, supportive and a willing teacher and mentor. As the very first nurse in your clinical informatics fellowship program you welcomed me with open arms had a profound influence on my career. Along with so many things, you taught me about patient empowerment in the world of clinical computing long before it became a buzz word. I am sorry to hear of your illness and the challenge you are facing. I wish you health and nothing but the best because truly that is what you deserve. warmest regards, Denise

Jackie and I hope you are doing better, particularly since you are a birthday 'boy'. We are praying for your return to good health.

Dear Warner, When you entered the Lasell College and Village family, you added class, intellectual weight, and ultra generous support to our community, its members and to me. Thinking of you and Carolyn often, and wishing you a birthday of peace and comfort. Love, Michael

Dear Warner, we have been thinking and talking, most lovingly, about you for many days now. We wish we could give you the gift of health but are powerless. Please accept our love and deep appreciation

Hi Warner, Well, after reading all the messages from your many colleagues and friends, I see that you are as close to a rock star as one can get! I have said it all in the poem I wrote to you earlier on and can only repeat those words again. fondly, Ruth

Birthday Greetings! we are missing your smile and warm concern here at the Village.

Hi Warner, Hi Warner, Thinking of you & hope you're improving AND Happy Birthday !#!! Warmly, Alan

Dear Warner, I have been thinking of you and Carolyn with much love today...since Carolyn mentioned your birthday. I am sure you are surrounded with love, which I hope gives you strength in this crisis. You and Carolyn are such special, caring wonderful human beings.....I appreciate knowing you. I hope the love that fills this day brings you joy!!! All the best, rosalie whitehill

Dear Warner, I hear today is your birthday and though it may not be the best one you ever had, I hope you will find some joy in the many thoughts and wishes that come your way from Lasell Village, including my most heartfelt wishes for your recovery. You and Carolyn are kind and hospitable and it was always fun to sit with you in the Cafe and tell stories and sing silly songs. I hope to hear the next instalment of 'Thais of Alexandria' one of these days. All the best from your friend, Barbara

Darling Warner, Please have as good a birthday as you can, under the circumstances. We all miss you! Love to you and Carolyn, Sarah

Hello Warner, You need to know that knowing you has been one of the great pleasures of living here at Lasell Village. Your positive outlook on all kinds of things, your broad range of interests, including folk songs (remember the tribute to Pete Seeger), your and Caroline's kindnesses to so many residents, have all contributed so much to all of us. I think of you often and miss you. Cynthia Dember

Dear Warner, Alice and i hope you are having a reasonably enjoyable birthday. We miss you. Although we have known you only a short time, we immediately came to like and estimate you very much. We both think you are one of the most decent and humane people we have ever met. We hope we can be friends yet awhile. P&A

In our last note we meant 'esteem'not 'estimate.' Please don't grade us on vocabulary.

Hi. Warner, Thinking of you and wishing you improved health and a gradual return to your usual functioning. I miss not seeing you around and not having the opportunity to chat. So, get well soon Warmly, Alan

Hi Warner, Happy Birthday and all possible good wishes! You and Carolyn were among the first welcomers when I moved in last fall and among my first friends. I’d hoped to see you before leaving for the summer, sent and continue to send all my best to both of you and your kids (I did meet your daughter) Liz

Addendum Warner, I just read the messages from your alumni and friends- hope you don’t mind. What wonderful tributes and what a great and large effect on so many lives! Bask in them and know you’ve made a very large footprint. Liz

Hi Warner: Birthday Greetings from another of your friends at Lasell Village. Best wishes on your struggle to return to good health. We love you and are rooting for you. All the best...Dan

Hi Warner, Been thinking of you and sending love and prayers. May your birthday be as special as you are. Please remember that you are loved more than ever. Take care. Carla

Dear Warner, We all salute you on your birthday! Warm good wishes and happy thoughts are heading your way from your friends at the Village. Cheers and Hugs, Mary Anne Tuohey

Dear Warner, I am so happy to be able to write to you. That I miss you is an understatement. I clearly recall your closing words after our first dinner together and many others---'to be continued' I thought they we very special. I have tried to keep up to date on your progress and think of you every day. Our talks about the coincidents in our lives and contacts, coupled with many good stories made it all so enjoyable. So Happy Birthday, dear friend. Warmly, Alan

Dear Warner' We wish you a rapid recovery and that your many future birthdays be happier than this one. We look forward to dining with you and Carolyn very soon.

Hi Warner, You and Carolyn have been such a visible and valued part of life here at Lasell to an extent that you can't yourself appreciate . I hope you will believe me when I say that I have missed seeing you both in the dining room and on the occasions we were able to share a drink in your home. Since I understand that today is your birthday, I send you wishes that you may enjoy good & improving health in the coming year. I would love to be able to greet your return to Lasell. My sincerest and fond wishes to you and Carolyn, Roz Scheffler