From: David Klaus (To Marianna)

Your Dad was a lot of things to a lot of people, but in my mind I will remember him most as an amazing friend to my Dad.  I think people do not appreciate as much as they should the importance of good friends.   As you know, my Dad led a very interesting life bouncing around from coast to coast, travelling a great deal and working hard.  The last few years were challenging for him, but your Dad and Pam were there in so many ways – not just events like his birthday party, but for regular visits when he was doing well and not so much.  He had so much respect for your Dad.  Not just professionally -- I know that he referred a lot of young parents to his practice (often calling when they were told that the practice was full and he could not take new patients) --  but he respected and in some ways envied your Dad’s ability to enjoy life.  When I would visit and we were looking for a restaurant, we would often go to one that “Elmer told me about this place” or we would seek his guidance for what was currently the best Chinese restaurant in San Francisco.  I hope you and your family get joy in knowing that your Dad enjoyed life and helped others do so as well.  A truly great friend.

For me, your Dad was a constant.  One of the first adults I called by his first name – it seemed the thing to do.  It was a comfort for him to be there when I was in college 2000+ miles from my family, and I looked forward to dropping by his and Pam’s house if I was in town for a visit.  For me, he was “a great guy” and someone in my parent’s generation that I also saw as a friend.

Please share my condolences with your family.  It is now three years from when my Dad passed away – on the same date as your Dad, as you have no doubt heard from my siblings.  My sister Sue believes that when people die there is often someone they know who previously passed who reaches out to them to help guide the way.  I am a lot less philosophical in that way, but it is nice to think of the two of them being back together again to share the wonderful friendship they had for so many years.

All the best,

David