I was so deeply shocked and then saddened to hear of Gregg's passing. He meant a great deal to me. I wanted to share my unique story with you which should illustrate why I admired Gregg so much.

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Gregg and I became friendly about ten years ago. We bonded instantly and our friendship grew. We enjoyed opportunites when we would run into eachother. The qualities that I admired included, but were not limited to, his passion, energy, strength and sense of humor.

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About mid year, 1999, I ran into Gregg while I was on a date at the Van Dyke Cafe on Lincoln Road (in Miami Beach). My date and I were enjoying Sunday brunch at an our outdoor table as Gregg was walking by. We chatted for a bit. Not knowing how long the gal and I had been dating, Gregg then asked, "Can I take a picture of you guys?" We reluctantly agreed (after a late night, we were hardly "photo ready").

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Several weeks passed and I received in the mail an 8 x 10 black and white photograph of that occasion. The quality of the photo was superb. I so appreciated his passion and admired his skill with a camera. I never forgot it.

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I called him several months later and let him know that I was getting engaged to the same girl that he saw me with on Lincoln Road. I asked of him a special favor. I explained that I was orchestrating an elaborate engagement plan that was sure to be memorable. It involved a proposal on the picturesque South Beach sand at dusk. I enlisted his assistance. I explained that it would mean a lot to me if he could show up and take some candid photos of Beth and I. It was imperative that he try to capture the moment, without letting on that he was there. I knew it was a big ask, however, having Wenzel's black and whites of the big moment would be something that we'd cherish. He enthusiastically agreed without hesitation.

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He refused to accept a dime for his time and/or for the film. He acted as if he was the one who was honored and not the other way around.

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As I gazed into Beth's eyes after making the proposal, I remember thinking that I wish that I had photos of this moment. Since there appeared to be no one around for hundreds of yards, I figured that Gregg just couldn't make it. I wasn't totally surprised that Gregg didn't show, figuring that it was such a huge favor to have asked of him in the first place.

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As we were preparing to leave the beach, guess who shows up? That's right, with a huge smile on his face, Gregg appears. I said, "You missed it, it was just perfect." He says, "I know, I saw it all." What Gregg did was unbelievable. During the entire pre and post proposal time, which lasted about an hour, he had positioned himself in various places on the beach, using every means possible to go undetected. He took numerous photographs while hiding on top of the life guard stand, partially burying himself in the sand, and hiding behind other beach items like stacked lounge chairs. We had no idea that he was there. He was able to silently take some of the most cherished photos that we own. (SEE ATTACHED!!!)

Yesterday, I took out my wedding album to show my wife Suzy a picture of Gregg. There he was, so full of life, so full of energy, so full of whatever it was that made his shoulders extend across the ballroom.
 

His death came suddenly and was cloaked in the same mystery that shrouded most of his life. It was a life full of adventure, and self-achievements. There are many whose years extend far beyond Gregg’s short life, but most fall way short in terms of accomplishments.

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We have several of the "Wenzel Originals" blown up and framed in our home. I am frequently reminded of Gregg when my 18 month old son Evan points up at the photos and exclaims, "Momma & Dah Dah." Gregg unselfishly gave of himself on that day and I never forgot him for that. We have memories that will forever be memorialized because of Gregg. Words can't describe how deeply saddened I am that this world lost such a great guy. He will forever remain in our hearts.
 

Mark Eiglarsh

(305) 858-9550