It was well known that Dr. Albert Starr was one of the world’s top few cardiovascular surgeons, (“Dr. Albert Starr, Oregon co-inventor of the first successful artificial heart valve, dies at 98,” Dec. 20) . I gave anesthesia for his pediatric cases at OHSU Hospital. It takes someone on the inside with a fascination for the technology and clinical aspects to appreciate and tell you just how good the man was. He was a perfectionist in every move. This led him to inspire greater efforts in all who were in his team. He never gave up.