9-1-1920 to 8-27-2012 Beppi Passed away peacefully in his sleep a few days short of his 92nd Birthday. Happy Birthday Beppi and Bon Voyage and give our love to Elsa.
I first met Beppi at one of our ACR meetings at Volpi’s Restaurant. He had a camera with him and was taking pictures for his own pleasure. We struck up a conversation and (like most folks in the ACR) he proved to be a a really nice and interesting fellow.
It didn’t take him long to volunteer to take the photographer’s duties from the retiring Bill White. Beppi was involved in several clubs and not too many folks know this, but he gave up his duties at one of the other clubs to come and take pictures for us every month.
We worked together for many years, Beppi taking pictures while I edited the Reedwooder. I would drive up to Beppi’s home in Santa Rosa and pick up the pictures he took. I would always leave an hour and a half (or more) to visit with Beppi and his wife Elsa. That hour and a half was always spent going over the pictures he took and chatting about anything that came to mind.
I cherished our time together as Beppi told me of his childhood in Italy, his tour of duty in WWII, memories of old Santa Rosa and his teacher who travelled from San Francisco to teach in Sonoma county. These were but a few of the stories he told me while Elsa served coffee and cream.
Beppi allowed me to be able to slow down and examine life; his and mine. As I rushed headlong through my daily activities, my visits with Beppi and Elsa allowed me to stop and take life a little slow and enjoy the company of two wonder folks.
Beppi thanks for being my friend, thanks for sharing your time with me.
Thanks for the memories.
Kristofer Nelson
