In Memorium

DAVID F. FRIEDMAN

December 24, 1923 -
February 14, 2011

     I am very sad to report that my mentor, partner, and best friend has passed away. Hands down, Dave was the absolute best - a great and generous man. How we met is already well-documented, but what people don’t really know is that Dave was like a father to me. We spent countless precious hours together – doing business, going to film festivals and conventions, meeting in Los Angeles every December, visiting him at his beautiful home and museum in Anniston Alabama, and his memorable trips to Seattle. We ate many a fine meal at Musso and Frank`’s (where Dave was always treated like royalty) spending our time talking shop, cutting deals, and thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. He knew how to live life to the fullest – fancy restaurants, good liquor, and his trademark cigars. Dave was full of stories, and told them over and over to all who would listen. He always had a clever quip or old time-y saying for any occasion. Some of my favorites were, “Keep snow-shoeing kid!” and “Always square the beef.” No one was a better showman and he continued to delight his fans at events by giving the spontaneous roadshow pitch or a lively banter well into the 21st century. Dave was thrilled to discover the world of fandom and he was gracious and generous to everyone who asked for an autograph or wanted to talk to  him.

     Dave was an important member of the Something Weird family since the very beginning. He introduced me to his show business cronies and was instrumental in making Something Weird the success it is today. He still got a big kick from the fact that anybody actually wanted to see his “old movies” and was surprised that he was still getting any money out of them. And Dave always called and thanked me profusely when he got paid his royalties (when I should have been thanking him for the opportunity to even sell his films!)

     We shared a very special relationship and I’ll miss him terribly. I’ll continue to honor his tremendous legacy and treasure the memories I have of our time together. Goodbye buddy. We’ll meet again at the big carnival in the sky.
                                                                                                    -- Mike Vraney