From: Dick Frankel

Elmer - how many of us go back to the Val Vista days? Plenty of BBQ. I was too young for wine but I knew where your mom's candy dish was located. Never empty. Until I departed. Then I graduated to wine. Your selections were always superb. Attached are a couple of photos from a birthday party in St. Helena at Bunny and Sandy's home in July 1991 - or so Jean tells me. Who can remember?
Among many memories, two stand out. First, when Adam was born, you made a house visit which brought great comfort for Jean and me. Secondly, when Adam was about 12 years old, we called you about his symptoms that were worrisome. You said to ask Dr. Shimizu about Crohn's Disease. We did. At the time, Adam was only the second patient Dr. Shimizu had treated for Crohn's. When we were in a parent support group at Children's Hospital, Oakland, we realized how lucky we were in getting a prompt diagnosis. Most of the parents had experienced months or years of their child's symptoms prior to a diagnosis. We were fortunate and you helped immensely.
So I will raise a glass of wine tonight to you - probably not anywhere near as good as a wine you would select - but wine, nonetheless! Jean and I love you. Dick