Memorium - a note from Jan Grape
ELMER ALBERT GRAPE, 76, died unexpectedly in the VA Hospital in Dallas on
December 29, 2005, from complications following emergency intestinal
surgery. Fortunately he didn't linger in pain or wind up incapacitated. He
lived in Houston and Austin, but settled in Austin from 1987 until 2001
when he and his wife, Jan of thirty-seven years became full-time RV-ers.
From 1990 to 1999 the Grapes owned Mysteries and More, a mystery bookstore
in Austin. Elmer was a huge fan of mystery books and mystery writers.
They hosted many author events and hosted the Southwest Mystery Convention
in 1993.
The coordinators of ConMisterio asked Elmer and I to be Fan Guests of
Honor at the con in July, 2006, and we had agreed. With Elmer's passing in
December, the coordinators insisted that I remain as Fan Guest of Honor
and asked if I would agree to Elmer being named as Ghost of Honor. I told
them that I think Elmer would get a "kick" out of the idea. That we
all know he'd be with us in spirit.
There is no way that I can write to thank everyone who wrote cards,
letters and e-mail expressing sympathy. Many told stories of Elmer which
were wonderful tributes of him for me and our family. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart for all the care, concern and love. (Check out
www.mem.com and in the search window put Grape, then click on Elmer Grape
and read his obituary and the tributes and add one if you like.)
It is still unbelievable that my husband and best friend is gone, but he
would never want any of us to let grief linger and if I even thought of
wallowing in self-pity Elmer would certainly come back to haunt me. If you
would like to make a donation in Elmer's memory, here's my suggestion:
Round Rock Public Library, 216 East Main, Round Rock, TX 78664, or TO a
Scholarship Bowling Tournament for Youth Bowlers, send check or money
order to Jan Grape, (mark it for memorial)
PO Box 73, Round Mountain TX 78663
or to the charity of your choice.
- Jan Grape