Horrible news about a Berserker - Frank Drew, RIP

[Ian S]

What a tragic example of Life & Death in 'Murica. You stop to help an auto wreck victim, only to be shot dead because the driver of the wreck is a gun-toting nutter.

RIP Frank. You should be awarded a medal.

[Chloe Drew]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

[Jeff_M.]

RIP Frank. Horrible news. Last week felt like the 53rd week of 2020.

[dcornutt]

Tragic. RIP

[Wes Barton]

Awful.

[Abbie S.]

I am Frank Drew's niece and this outpouring of kindness and care means so much to our family. I know that he loved this community (and wine!) and that it would make him very happy to see these thoughts from all of you.

Chloe, I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Such a horrible tragedy.

[Marcus Goodfellow]

That’s horrible news, and I am so sad to hear it. Thank you Chloe for the insight into how to honor him and I am very sorry for your loss.

[Markus S]

Yet another tragedy involving guns. So sad...and stupid. Chloe, I've never met your uncle but only know him from the interwebs and these forums...I think he was a big contributor to the West Coast Wine Network back before Wineberserkers and he always seemed like a nice, decent man. He will be missed. I'm sorry for your family's loss.

[K Kl@dder]

Senseless

[Otto Dobre]

RIP Frank.

[Chris Seiber]

Such a terrible story in so many ways.

But in an effort to look at the other side of it, he seemed like a bright, warm and happy gentleman, and I'm glad he got 74 good years, which is much better than most people get. If the reports of him stopping to help are correct, then he gave his life doing the right thing and trying to help another person, and that is another thing that speaks so positively of him and his life.

So there is the huge loss, but the even greater joy in the life he had.

[Will Clements]

Words cannot express my sadness for the family and loved ones.

[Neal.Mollen]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

That would be a wonderful tribute to Frank. Headed there now. Please give our love, respect and condolences to those Frank loved.

I've been unable to get Frank and this horrible situation out of my mind since I first saw this thread.

[Paul Miller]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

That would be a wonderful tribute to Frank. Headed there now. Please give our love, respect and condolences to those Frank loved.

I've been unable to get Frank and this horrible situation out of my mind since I first saw this thread.

Done!

[sdfruman]

I Iive in Manassas and remember reading about this. So terrible. I never realized he was close by. RIP.

[Anthony C]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

So sorry for your loss Chloe. That sounds like a great cause and we're happy to help.

[Charlie Carnes]

This is such a terrible story. Chloe, thanks for coming on here. I will go to the relief fund website now. My prayers go out to you and your family.

[David Kingsbury]

I never met Frank but have read his posts over the years. Seemed like a true wine lover and all around decent man. So sorry to hear about his passing in such a senseless way. My condolences to his family and friends.

[Greg Xu]

I am Frank Drew's niece and this outpouring of kindness and care means so much to our family. I know that he loved this community (and wine!) and that it would make him very happy to see these thoughts from all of you.

Dear Chloe, Thank you so much for coming on here and giving us a point of contact to send our well wishes and sincere condolences? Is there any cause or non-profit that Frank loved or was passionate about to which we can set up a memorial for him? You have our attention here, and I think I can say how deeply sorry we all are for his loss, for you and your family's loss.

Same here, so sorry for your loss Chloe, and a loss for all of us.

[Uli K.]

I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

Chloe, very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. Thanks for the pointer to ROC United, I made a contribution in his memory.

[G. Greenbaum]

I'm so sorry to read this. Maddening and utterly tragic. My condolences to Frank's family and friends.

[Peter Kleban]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

Thanks Chloe (and Nola for asking). Just made a contribution. Sounds like a great organization. Glad I can do something, no matter how small, in Frank's memory.

[Kevin Porter]

Chloe, thank you so much for taking time to share this us. I am holding you and those who Frank loved and who loved him in the light. I'm heading to the site now.

[Jeff Vaughan]

That is awful news. So sad.

[CJ Beazley]

I wasn’t expecting this to be in my feed-

[Renato S.]

So sorry for his family.

[Glenn L e v i n e]

I've been unable to get Frank and this horrible situation out of my mind since I first saw this thread.

I’ve also been unable to stop thinking about this. What has our nation come to?

[Paul Jaouen]

Very sorry to read this. Condolences to the family. Such unprovoked, crazy, random violence is almost beyond belief.

[A Dotson]

Words cannot express my sadness for the family and loved ones.

+1

Sadness and anger that it happened.

[D@ve D y r 0 f f]

I didn't see a space on the ROC United site to mark my donation as being in Frank's honor, so I'll do so here. RIP, Frank, and thanks for letting us know, Chloe.

[Siun o'Connell]

Joining the thanks to Nola for asking and especially to Chloe for reaching out to us here. Donation made. Grateful there is a way to honor him by helping others.

[John Glas]

Very sad news. I had some really good interactions with Frank on the boards and CC.

[Rich K0rz€nk0]

@Nola Palomar thanks for asking. My Uncle cared a lot about working people, and food and wine. One thing he was very mindful of right now are all the restaurant workers who have lost their jobs because of pandemic closures. I know that some people are making donations in his honor to the Restaurant Opportunities Center Pandemic Relief Fund https://rocunited.org/chapters/pandemic-response-fund/

My sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this and I would be honored to make a donation to a cause he cared deeply about.

[Jeff White]

Hello all,

I have not been able to write until now. I knew Frank through my association with Linden Vineyards. Frank was friend to all there and they are devastated by this tragedy. People always write kinds words like I am about to, when someone passes, especially unexpectedly, but Frank was truly a decent, caring good hearted man. His whole life centered around helping others. He had a law degree and once worked to improve the lives of migrant farm workers. This before I knew him. He was a skill craftsman, making items for others out of wood in his shop. Made me a cutting board. He studied to become a local fire fighter and then an EMT. Last I knew he worked at a local emergency room. Was on his way home from work the night when this happened. I regret that I have not seen or talked with Frank since about the time I left Linden. He did come to my winery in 2007 and tasted my first vintage. And many of you know that Frank knew and loved wine. At Linden, Frank would show up right after work just about every week with wonderful old wines to try. He stored wine at Linden and at many other friends homes. He owned many bottles. He opened my eyes to the possibilities of wine, inspiring my further adventure in this industry. I grow Nebbiolo now because of that first Barolo he shared. Franks palate was sharp to say the least. At Linden he sometimes ran the presses, making palate based press fractions decisions. And his wine and wine experience memory was unmatched. He could talk about wines he had in the past like it was yesterday, not only describing the wines but what the weather was like or what clothes he was wearing or even what you were wearing at the time. I called him a Renaissance Man. He seemed to have in-depth thorough knowledge on many topics. He took the Jeopardy test at my urging.

Anyway, just thought I would share a little of what I know about Frank. Helps with the healing.

[P L owet]

Hello all,

I have not been able to write until now. I knew Frank through my association with Linden Vineyards. Frank was friend to all there and they are devastated by this tragedy. People always write kinds words like I am about to, when someone passes, especially unexpectedly, but Frank was truly a decent, caring good hearted man. His whole life centered around helping others. He had a law degree and once worked to improve the lives of migrant farm workers. This before I knew him. He was a skill craftsman, making items for others out of wood in his shop. Made me a cutting board. He studied to become a local fire fighter and then an EMT. Last I knew he worked at a local emergency room. Was on his way home from work the night when this happened. I regret that I have not seen or talked with Frank since about the time I left Linden. He did come to my winery in 2007 and tasted my first vintage. And many of you know that Frank knew and loved wine. At Linden, Frank would show up right after work just about every week with wonderful old wines to try. He stored wine at Linden and at many other friends homes. He owned many bottles. He opened my eyes to the possibilities of wine, inspiring my further adventure in this industry. I grow Nebbiolo now because of that first Barolo he shared. Franks palate was sharp to say the least. At Linden he sometimes ran the presses, making palate based press fractions decisions. And his wine and wine experience memory was unmatched. He could talk about wines he had in the past like it was yesterday, not only describing the wines but what the weather was like or what clothes he was wearing or even what you were wearing at the time. I called him a Renaissance Man. He seemed to have in-depth thorough knowledge on many topics. He took the Jeopardy test at my urging.

Anyway, just thought I would share a little of what I know about Frank. Helps with the healing.

Jeff,
Thanks so much for sharing your personal remembrances. I only knew Frank through his always civil and informed web persona -- first at WCWN (especially regarding Italian wines) and then here (where he always contributed to threads about Virginia wines). I'm not surprised that your tribute is not at all surprising about the man. RIP Frank.
Peter

[Siun o'Connell]

That was a lovely tribute Jeff - thank you for sharing it with us.

[Nola Palomar]

Hello all,

I have not been able to write until now. I knew Frank through my association with Linden Vineyards. Frank was friend to all there and they are devastated by this tragedy. People always write kinds words like I am about to, when someone passes, especially unexpectedly, but Frank was truly a decent, caring good hearted man. His whole life centered around helping others. He had a law degree and once worked to improve the lives of migrant farm workers. This before I knew him. He was a skill craftsman, making items for others out of wood in his shop. Made me a cutting board. He studied to become a local fire fighter and then an EMT. Last I knew he worked at a local emergency room. Was on his way home from work the night when this happened. I regret that I have not seen or talked with Frank since about the time I left Linden. He did come to my winery in 2007 and tasted my first vintage. And many of you know that Frank knew and loved wine. At Linden, Frank would show up right after work just about every week with wonderful old wines to try. He stored wine at Linden and at many other friends homes. He owned many bottles. He opened my eyes to the possibilities of wine, inspiring my further adventure in this industry. I grow Nebbiolo now because of that first Barolo he shared. Franks palate was sharp to say the least. At Linden he sometimes ran the presses, making palate based press fractions decisions. And his wine and wine experience memory was unmatched. He could talk about wines he had in the past like it was yesterday, not only describing the wines but what the weather was like or what clothes he was wearing or even what you were wearing at the time. I called him a Renaissance Man. He seemed to have in-depth thorough knowledge on many topics. He took the Jeopardy test at my urging.

Anyway, just thought I would share a little of what I know about Frank. Helps with the healing.

This helps me a lot Jeff, thank you for posting. I didn't know him well here, but I can't get him out of my mind. I want to know more about him not because I want to pry, but so I can be a person that keeps who he was alive, even if only in my thoughts and private prayers. Sudden, violent deaths are hard to grieve, they take and leave so many questions and so little sense. Knowing a bit more of who he was and how it was his nature to help makes him even more memorable to me. Again Rest In Peace Frank.

[M. Meer]

I also left a small donation to ROC United in his honor. RIP

[EAScrog]

Just seeing this tragic thread; how awful for his family. Am headed over to ROC United now. Sadness.

[Jud Reis]

Donation in. Least we could do.

[Richard T r i m p i]

Absolutely awful news. Tragic in the extreme. Heartbreaking. Sincerest condolences to Frank's family.

RT

[Nick Christie]

Hello all,

I have not been able to write until now. I knew Frank through my association with Linden Vineyards. Frank was friend to all there and they are devastated by this tragedy. People always write kinds words like I am about to, when someone passes, especially unexpectedly, but Frank was truly a decent, caring good hearted man. His whole life centered around helping others. He had a law degree and once worked to improve the lives of migrant farm workers. This before I knew him. He was a skill craftsman, making items for others out of wood in his shop. Made me a cutting board. He studied to become a local fire fighter and then an EMT. Last I knew he worked at a local emergency room. Was on his way home from work the night when this happened. I regret that I have not seen or talked with Frank since about the time I left Linden. He did come to my winery in 2007 and tasted my first vintage. And many of you know that Frank knew and loved wine. At Linden, Frank would show up right after work just about every week with wonderful old wines to try. He stored wine at Linden and at many other friends homes. He owned many bottles. He opened my eyes to the possibilities of wine, inspiring my further adventure in this industry. I grow Nebbiolo now because of that first Barolo he shared. Franks palate was sharp to say the least. At Linden he sometimes ran the presses, making palate based press fractions decisions. And his wine and wine experience memory was unmatched. He could talk about wines he had in the past like it was yesterday, not only describing the wines but what the weather was like or what clothes he was wearing or even what you were wearing at the time. I called him a Renaissance Man. He seemed to have in-depth thorough knowledge on many topics. He took the Jeopardy test at my urging.

Anyway, just thought I would share a little of what I know about Frank. Helps with the healing.

It does. I really enjoyed learning these aspects about his life.

[Ron Slye]

Also donated. I did not know Frank. That is my loss. He sounds like an amazing and loving person. And the cause we are directed to is also worthy. So we donated earlier today. Peace.

[Jeff White]

Frank Drew

[Steen T Olsen]

RIP Mr Drew. These are trying times indeed..

[John Davis]

Wow, how awful, RIP.