I hate to put a damper on sharing wine knowledge but want to let all here know that long time board member and friend Hank Gillespie unfortunately passed last night peacefully. I was fortunate enough to get to know Hank on a personal level over the past several years as both a friend and wine aficionado through the parker board and this board - many great experiences followed and I was lucky enough to be a part of his wonderful and long life. Emotions are strong now and I know they are stronger with his close family and friends which there are many across the world here in the US, Europe, and especially Canada. I can’t help but feel like there is a big void now in the greater consciousness out there that will never be filled with such a generous and kind human being. Just last week I talked to him about the new Dujac Puligny wines and I was going to get one so he could try - to late. I have a special bottle of 2011 DRC Echezeaux that he gifted me on my 40th that will find it’s way onto a dinner table one day to honor a great person - through life must go wine and I know Hank would agree.
I plan on getting some notes of wines into this thread - I think the first will be the 2014 Dujac Puligny Combettes in honor of Hank. RIP my friend!
I am so sorry to hear this news as well. I never met Hank but always enjoyed his thoughtful and upbeat insights into wine and life. His contributions will be missed, but hopefully his spirit will live on on this board and elsewhere. Rest in peace, my friend.
Such terrible news…I too had the opportunity to get to know Hank very well, as part of the Tucson Lunch Bunch. He was a generous and kind human being. He never said a bad word about anyone. My heart goes out to his lovely wife Lorraine. We will miss him!! RIP Hank.
I never met Hank, but always thought I would like him if I did. His posts here reflected a balanced sensibility about life and a real appreciation for the good fortune that he experienced. My condolences to his family and friends. May his family draw comfort by how much his decency was valued by this community.
Peter
Oh what awful news! Hanks enthusiasm for wine and AZ basketball have been a staple of this board for many many years. I am going to miss our exchanges. RIP friend.
So sorry to hear this news. Never met, but read and shared thoughts with Hank for what must be almost 15 years between wine boards. He was a major influencer in the Alberta wine industry.
RIP.
He always seemed like one of the best of us. We should all make an extra effort to be more like Hank in the coming months and years - that would be the best tribute to the man.
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