<HTML>Thanks, Chuck for sharing your experience with Fred. W= e miss him, and Ernie, at conventions. To reiterate what Ernie told you. At 83, when my dad was close to death, I a= sked him if he had any regrets. The first thing he said was, "There is much = to learn yet." Wim In a message dated 2/26/03 2:47:57 PM Central Standard Time, Christus4@aol.c= om writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT= : 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Dave, Wim, et al, In regard to the flow of wisdom that being in the PTG and being on this list= offer: I had the good fortune of meeting Fred Drasche today after I serviced the pi= ano at his retirement complex.  Although at 96 years old, frail and lon= ely - especially now in the absence of his closest companion, Mimi, he was g= rateful for the company, and offered a few "pearls" to me in the brief time = I was there.  With his many decades of service, teaching, etc., he told= me to remember to "never stop learning about the piano".  He related h= ow that he always learned the most when he had the opportunity to teach, at = seminars, institutes, and conferences.  He said to come back sometime i= f he can be of any help with anything, even though he doesn't actively work = on pianos anymore. Reminded me also of another venerable technician I sat beside for one of Ern= ie Juhn's classes:  I asked him half-jokingly why at 75 years old and 5= 0 years in the business he wasn't teaching the class, and he responded:&nbsp= ; "Well, there's so much to learn..." I guess that's a good way to go through life too.  How humbling to hear= these "giants" regard their life's work, and still willing to give back. <B= R> In awe, Chuck P.S. Mr. Drasche's home is reverently appointed with many signs of his caree= r achievements, not the least of which is the Golden Hammer on the coffee ta= ble.  But these are only outward recognition of the lasting effects he = has left on the trade. Chuck Christus, RPT Flagler Beach, FL Palm Beach Chapter PTG  </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>