Appreciation For My Friend Kevin

[deangold]

Today I got an e-mail from a former boss.... my good friend Kevin died in a motor cycle accident yesterday. He leaves three kids and a great wife. I will surely miss him.

I remembered the first day I met him.... I was interviewing him for a wine specialist position at Whole Foods. Here was this punk kid with a shaved head, death's head tattoos on his arm wearing a Ridge Montebello tee shirt. He spoke a language I barely understood although it seemed to use English words I was familiar with. He had a tongue stud. I hired him on the spot and the store manager thought I was insane. Year later he was a recognized leader at Whole Foods. I will miss him.

I can only describe him in the words I remember him describing my favorite wine (and his) Ridge Montebello... "It’s like… too much, man, wild... like... I mean..."

Yeah Kevin, I know what you mean. I just hope they have Ridge Montebello 1974 on the wine list where ever you are now!!!

[ScotteeM]

So sorry, Dean! He sounds like a special guy.

[vinist]

Sorry to hear it, Dean. It's so difficult to lose someone suddenly. Happened to me a few weeks ago, and it just feels so hard to accept when someone is gone without warning.

Condolences to you, to his friends and most of all to his family.

[DonRocks]

I don't care what anyone says - this is why this website is here. The day one of our valued members can't lament the loss of a loved one is the day that this website has diminished in value.

I toasted Kevin tonight Dean - silently, alone.

I care very much that he's gone.

Don

[deangold]

Thanks all. I hope thet when I am gone, someonce can say, as I have yesterday that the tears in my eyes we from the joy of knowing Kevin and not just the anger at his loss.

[Barbara]

Thanks all. I hope thet when I am gone, someonce can say, as I have yesterday that the tears in my eyes we from the joy of knowing Kevin and not just the anger at his loss.

Sometimes it's a question of being the right person at the right place at the right time to truly give your friend a proper memorial.

[jm chen]

*silently raises a glass*

[hillvalley]

Dean, your ability to look past his exterior and the generalizations most people make and see his potential is to be commended. It is an example many could learn from. I hope you take comfort in knowing you gave him a chance to shine when other did not want to.

I don't care what anyone says - this is why this website is here. The day one of our valued members can't lament the loss of a loved one is the day that this website has diminished in value.

I think we all needed to "hear" this. This site was created because of the people: to celebrate together, to drink and dine together, and to support one another. Thank you for the reminder.

[dinwiddie]

Dean, we all raise a glass to your friend, and think of you and his friends and family in our prayers.

[bioesq]

Thanks all. I hope thet when I am gone, someonce can say, as I have yesterday that the tears in my eyes we from the joy of knowing Kevin and not just the anger at his loss.

May his memory be a blessing.