It was to be our last road trip together, before moving with my family to Scotland for three years. André, my father and navigator, had been so looking forward to our drive to Florida for a family reunion. Just father and son - as it had been in 1976 when he first drove me to college in South Carolina, and in 1985 when we traveled cross country to California. In the weeks leading up to our trip he would call every day, sometimes leaving messages so long that the tape on our answering machine would run out. Road trips made him feel young, and brought back memories of our many journeys together. Two nights before, fate unveiled another plan and a different path for my father. When I found out about his tragic accident, I was shocked and stunned, as was my family. As a close family we decided that our Florida vacation would go as planned so we could share our loss together. Before I left, I made one last call to Piney Point, just to hear Pop's voice one last time - it was busy. My father was gone, but his spirit shared a front seat with me. The drive gave me time to reflect on my privileged childhood which he made so memorable and happy. Tears were brought on by the haunting sounds of Chopin Etudes echoing from his beloved Steinway piano, and the amusing drawings he created for our children. But tears gave way to laughter as I recalled our midnight escapades during my annual New Year's Eve parties at Piney Point. André was so cool, even my friends enjoyed having a parent at the party. In fact, he was the life of the party, and that made me very proud. I remember many a weekend camping trip with him, and our fishing expeditions to the Jersey shore. And I especially remember all the times he took me out of school for weeks on end when he had film assignments in Europe. We would fly first class, and he would arrange for me to go into the cockpit and meet the pilots. He came to all my baseball games in high school and gave me limitless support in spite of knowing little about the game. Just having him there with his 8 mm camera was all the support a kid needed. I cherish those moments and wonder why he left so soon. André loved Croton and the wonderful people that make the town so unique. As it happened, he wanted to live and die on Piney Point, in the house his father built 60 years ago, and where he felt most at home. I ask you all not to look at this as a terrible accident, but rather as a flamboyant exit to another life. This was in keeping with his personality: eccentric, fun loving, a bit crazy, but most of all honest, loving and truthful. His spirit lives on though his music, art and philosophy. Every day as I cycle to work I hear his wonderful voice speaking to me. I just wish he could leave one last message on our answering machine. According to André's last wishes, he was cremated. We held a special tribute to him on his birthday, October 28, 2001, on the terrace of the de la Varre home, and thank you to all friends, family and other well-wishers who were able to be with us and to pay your respects. In his honor, the government of Austria presented him a posthumous award for his achievements on behalf of culture and world understanding which he accomplished through film, writing and concerts. To all of you who have been so supportive of our family, I thank you for your concern, warmth and kind words in our time of grieving. Please feel free to write or call anytime. If you would like a CD recording of Andre's first public concert, in Vienna (April 3, 1956), please get in touch. Rene de la Varre 314 Standish Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (919) 403-3797 fitteryou@hotmail.com