Thursday, October 24, 2024
We got to know Dan and his wife Pam not long after moving into our house across from the street from them in 1994. Over the years we became friends and would have periodic get togethers when our busy lives allowed. When we did get together, we would joke that it was "Burgers and Freys" because our last name is Frey! Dan was a phenomenal cook, and a wine connoisseur, and he and Pam really rolled out the red carpet for us one evening, making steak prepared sous vide style, Indian rice and many different kinds of wine! He loved music and was showing us how he liked to experiment with listening to new artists suggested to him by his phone app. He was a brilliant mechanic and very generous in using his knowledge to help friends. One favorite memory was when he saw my husband Craig working on a stubborn problem with the car randomly revving itself and we'd have to hit the breaks to slow the car down. Dan hopped into the car, played with air conditioning control and basically said 'yep, you gotta replace the air conditioning control - common problem with GMs'! We had already replaced a bunch of parts on the car - too bad we didn't see him first! Another time, Dan brought his tools over and randomly helped Craig replace the timing chain on his old Mercedes after finding out in conversation that the job was overdue according to the maintenance schedule. Craig thought it was going to be a dreaded job that would take half the day and with Dan's help it was a half-hour job! He and Pam dutifully had his parents over for dinner every Sunday so you knew not to plan a Sunday gathering with the Burgers! We each just spoke to Dan on separate occasions less than 2 weeks before this tragedy happened and were looking forward to seeing more of him and Pam after Craig retired. We were trying to convince him to try retirement too and take time to cultivate friendships and enjoy his grandchildren, but the Lord had other plans. God Speed, Dan - we will miss you! And to Pam, Evan, Dylan and Alina, we are so, so sorry for the loss of Dan, and want you to know that we will be here for you. We're right across the street; you are not alone!!
