Frank was my friend for 40 years. We had a lawn care business together right out of high school. We worked our way out of Alamo together. Frank and I went to different high schools together. He attended a private school, Delasalle High. He was a star on the football team and later went on to attend Dominican College of Marin. I met up with Frank years later at Diablo Valley College where we had many great times. Frank always lived an adventure. He would always say $100 won't change your life but it will change your night. Anytime I didn't know what to do I knew I could always call Frank for the right answer, he was a genius. I loved to rib him about the fact that although he was an accomplished published writer while in Junior College, I passed the Junior English Placement test and he didn't. I could always keep Frank's ego in check with that one when necessary. It was like a little red off button I could push when the conversation got too out of hand. He is the only reason I finished college. Frank was a successful businessman. He started many businesses including a mortgage company and lastly a barber college, which he grew to 5 locations within the Bay Area. He later added Cosmetology and Esthetics. This photo was taken at a celebration for my birthday last year shortly after Frank and I had a serendipitous encounter at Lowes. He was making repairs to one of his many buildings that he owned that had a spotty job done by an unlicensed contractor. It had been many years since I had seen him and I almost didn't recognize him, but once I did I got in the isle one isle over and yelled Frank to see if he would turn around and he did. Once I knew it was him I had a lot of fun yelling Frank again and again and hiding from him. After we got caught up he invited me to visit his business anytime. I eventually got a call from Frank after this photo. He said he and his wife Christina had talked and they had a position with his company that he wanted to talk with me about at the college that he thought I might be interested in. I took him up on it. When I showed up Frank started showing me around like I was already hired and we had not even talked about my pay. Here's your office and your desk he said. It was in a plush 500 sf office. His desk was there too. It was his father's old desk that Frank inherited. I remembered it instantly because I helped him move it when his father passed. I also remembered how heavy it was. Is that the same desk I helped you move 25 years ago, how the heck did you get that thing up here on the second floor? I knew the desk meant a lot to him. Your title is going to be Project Manager he said. He ordered about 100,000 business cards that were delivered within days. What the heck are all these cards for Frank? I asked. They just got cheaper and cheaper the more I added at check out, he explained. I enjoyed working for Frank for a time until I could see things weren't going to turn out as planned. Nonetheless, it was a great time getting to work with my friend, and for the time we had laughing about how two guys from Alamo were running a barber college. It was comforting to know that Frank called me the week he died and apologized for some things, and I apologized for some things, and for the first and only time since I knew Frank he said, "Todd, you were right," about a disagreement we had. I was shocked.

Although he is not here, I will remember that call and I will always remember what a great friend he was, and how good it felt patching things up with my good friend.

My heart breaks every day for the loss of frank as a husband father and wonderful person!

Kept your head up and keep on going...

Frank is watching over us!

To Christina and Amanda,

It is with great sadness to learn of Frank’s passing who has left us much too soon. We will always remember and honor the life of Frank who was full of generosity towards others, though he was only with us for a short time. He made an indelible mark on the world and on the lives of those around him.

Frank was a vibrant, kind, and compassionate man who had a lifetime ahead of him. He was full of promise and potential, and his sudden passing is a tragic loss for all of us who knew and loved him.

We take solace in the knowledge that Frank was deeply loved and cherished during his time with us. He brought joy and happiness to those around him, and his memory will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.

While we grieve the loss of such a wonderful person, we also celebrate the life that Frank lived. Frank accomplished so much in his short time with us, and he will always be remembered for his strength, resilience, unwavering spirit and larger than life smile.

We extend our deepest condolences to Christina and Amanda along with Frank’s entire family during this difficult time. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and that we are here for you whenever you need us.

Rest in peace, dear Frank You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Your friends, Newell & Janis Arnerich

Danville, California