A couple of weeks ago, our little wine group received a group text from Jarlene in remembrance of our old Sunday Funday tastings and to let us know that Richard had passed to the other side.
I don’t know the details, and I’m not sure if it’s proper to ask or if I even need to know.
You know how you see or meet someone (or several someones) and you just “click” right away? Well, that’s how it was for me and my wine group one Saturday at Marché Bacchus when Dick and Jarlene visited for the first time. We all just started talking, and next thing you know, we had become friends.
For several years, we enjoyed our Saturday tastings, occasional wine dinners and parties, and Jarlene and I took some trips to wine country. Pahrump (it’s a wine country. Kinda like the Temecula of Nevada, except smaller) and Paso Robles. A little over three years ago, Richard became a contributing writer for this blog.
You know how you see or meet someone (or several someones) and you just “click” right away?
And then, two years ago, he suffered a massive stroke. Miraculously, he pulled through, and we were all so grateful. Because they were away from family, they decided to move to Maryland into a house owned by one of their daughters. Despite the aftereffects of the stroke, Richard had recovered enough to be able to drive cross country. Getting used to Maryland’s “different” environment was a little bit of a challenge. There was the humidity, which neither of them had experienced in decades. Fortunately, they were near the beach.
The worst thing? THERE IS NO COSTCO! Costco is life.
Up until the note from Jarlene, we’d had years of friendship, wine, and fun. Sundays were our favorite time where we’d show up at their house almost weekly, bringing wine and food. Richard was an amazing cook and would make delicious dishes for us.
Monday evenings were great for those of us who were studying for certifications. For a while, Richard and I would meet at the Venetian at B&B Ristorante for late-night tastings. We sat with the wine staff and learned a lot about Italian wines. Make no mistake. Even though Mario Batali was eventually erased from the restaurant scene, he had hired some of the best, most knowledgeable Sommeliers.
Unfortunately, due to Mr. Batali’s, um, escapades, we had to give that up. Jarlene came up with the wonderful idea to have Monday night tastings at their home, theme each tasting, and share our observations and analyses.
This focused tasting turned into study sessions. I earned my WSET during this period and was ready for my CSW. I missed my CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) by just TWO POINTS because of a class on Spanish wine I took just before the test. Oh well.
So now he’s gone. Despite his health challenges, this news shook us up. We decided to have a memorial, “raise a glass” for him at the restaurant where most of us met. Marché Bacchus it was.
We met last Wednesday and gave our tribute and love to our beloved friend and his equally beloved wife, Jarlene. I think they’ve been married for about 150 years or so.
So for those of you who are just learning about our loss, join us in raising a glass in tribute and in farewell to our most beloved friend who will be in our hearts forever.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
—Mary Elizabeth Frye
