From: Richard Nevle

Dear Pam and Cam,

I just saw the news about Elmer's passing. I think you both know how much I loved Elmer. How could I not? He treated me with nothing but kindness and affection during my visits to your home in the Berkeley Hills. He was one of those rare humans that you just want to be around. Such warmth. Such intelligence. Such humor. Such zest for life.

I was only 19 when I first met him. Although being that young is hard for me to imagine now, meeting a man like Elmer at that age makes a big and lasting impression. Although I could not have put words to this at the time, Elmer gave me a different kind of model of what it could mean to be a man in this world. I saw in him so many things I imagined I would like to become.

I know I am only one of so many who loved and admired Elmer. He had that gift of making you feel special whenever you were around him. I will never forget his kindness, his warmth, his infectious love of all the good, sweet things in life. He taught me so much in the short time I knew him. For this I will always be grateful.

I am holding you both in my heart during this sad time. Much, much love to you both.

Richard