I first came across your work when you were a few years ahead of me in grad school and a few decades ahead of me in your understanding of phonology. For me as a beginning Africanist interested in tone, it was so exciting to see your early papers and your dissertation where you were taking these creative new theoretical ideas and applying them to exactly the kind of African tone system that I was trying to figure out. You had as much influence on my work in phonology as any of my other, institutionally official teachers, and I have continued to learn from you throughout your career.
When I met you in person, it was a pleasant surprise to me that you were a nice guy. I guess I'd always assumed brilliant people would be preoccupied or jerks, but you have always been friendly, down to earth, and fun to be with. I hope you really enjoy your retirement!