Hi Dan,

This has all been so devastating to me, as I'm sure it has to you as well.  I keep hoping it will ease as days go by.  If it does, it's going to take a long, long time at this rate.
Someone very dear to me told me a long time ago, about how you really have no choice in the love you share with family, or the person you fall in love with.  It just happens.  But, the love you share with a friend is a deliberate choice.  Something you CHOOSE to do.  That makes it very special. Indeed, Fred was just that, a very special friend, has always been, and will always be. I have attached a photo of Fred and myself taken in front of his house on 161st street.  I can remember the summer day we did this in 1967 as though we did it last week. I have printed out a larger version of this photo, and I am sending it to Kathy.   Take care of yourself Dan, I will talk to you soon, Nick Kanderis
================================================================================================
Subject: Mad Dog
From: MarkEbner59@aol.com (Reporter for National Enquirer)

Anyone who knew Fred Valis was well aware of the sweet irony of his nickname, "Mad Dog."  The guy embodied absolute gentle kindness and generosity of spirit.
My mind reels when I reflect on how much ink I've spilled that was infused with Fred's tips, anecdotes and credibly incredible stories.  Fred never asked me for a dime for the color he'd provide so freely;  he knew where the real money was! My heart aches for Fred's family and the one huge heart that was his partnership with Danno.
Fred, if you're listening (or wiretapping), I want you to know that I've been heeding your advice about not having sex with my stalkers!
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Subject: The world is emptier now
From: Diane Dimond <DimondD@courttv.com> (COURT TV REPORTER)

Fred Valis was one of those characters in life to cherish.  An independent thinker who, if he liked you, pulled you into his very special life every time you saw him or chatted with him over the phone.  He liked me and I liked him and through Fred (and his equally special partner, Dan Hanks) I got a unique perspective of the world.
Fred was never without a "story for ya'" and as he spoke, his eyes twinkling, you just knew he had a million great stories in him. I will miss him tremendously.
Last time I saw Fred was outside the courthouse in Santa Maria, California where I was covering the Michael Jackson trial.  He was jazzed to be there in media row, outside in the steaming hot parking lot, and he (and Dan of course!) whispered in my ear a tidbit about Jackson.  This pair always knew something about the dark underbelly of whatever I was covering.  Amazing!  I know in my heart Fred is now in heaven sharing his stories with the angels.  I can picture him in my mind's eye sitting on a billowing white mushroom-like stool, winged listeners at his feet enthralled at his words. Fred isn't dead - he's just moved his act to a higher plain.  God bless you, my friend....save a seat for me.   Diane Dimond
=======================================================================================================
From: Awitheridg@aol.com

        Dan, I am so, so sorry. Call me -- any time --  you want to talk. My dad was 57 -- ! was 19 -- when he died so I do understand.
Fred was very special. And I know he meant the world to you. thinking about you. Annette.........
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From: BAS2805@aol.com

    Hi dan. we've never met. my mane is Barbara (Macchio) Sypien. I grew up across the street from Fred. I've known him 53 years. I am
heartbroken about his passing. please accept my depest condolences, and please give the same to his wife from me. he will be deeply
missed. thank you...............
======================================================================================================
From: Brian Hall <doubledad3@yahoo.com>

I WILL DEARLY MISS YOU FRED (PEEPER)

     I am Brian J.Hall, son of Robert Hall, It is with deepest sympathy that I write to you. Fred was a great family friend for 35yrs or more.
I am now 37 myself with a set of twin girls and a son. Fred never got to meet them but they saw my reaction to the news.
I have very wonderful memories of Fred, He was like an Uncle to me. I've known him since I was 3.
I will always remeber the 4th of July fireworks Fred would do for us,It was always great,except for the year his friend burnt his face with one of them.
Fred also introduced me to Benihana when I was younger and we had a great time there. And I shall never forget the CB club meetings at Carvel in
Flushing with his brown van with peeper on the back of it. (It was his CB handle then). I wont forget the toboggen he bought and the hilarious fun my family
and his had together on that thing. Even the simple cookouts we would have in the backyard of our home that our families shared. He was a great man and was
always fun to be around.  I was 17 when we went to California to visit him and as always had a great time with Fred. He took us to Alcatraz and showed us many of Cali's sites.
Sadly that was the last time I saw Fred in the flesh. But He was never forgotten. I have many more memories in my mind but that is where they shall stay.
Cause they always made me smile and think of fun times. Why the good lord took him now ,I will never understand,but I shall still pray for Fred and hope he is the lords hands.
In closeing I will say Fred I loved you more than you'll ever know,Thanks for all the great times I got to share with you,and when it is my time,I hope
to see you in heaven. I love you Fred. With deepest sympathy, Brian J.Hall Sgt.U.S.Army Reserves.
=====================================================================================================
From: "Carl Mey" <cmey@globalvr.com>
Danno, Thanks for letting me know asap. I have talked with Rickey Lee and Dave Smith. I plan on attending any services.
=====================================================================================================
From: "Caroline" <cgmail@earthlink.net>

Hi there, I don't know what to say except I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. I want to call you tonight but know you are with friends and family and so don't want to intrude. I have been thinking of you and Fred all afternoon. You know, the last time I saw him, he turned up at my house one afternoon with some crappy paperwork we'd insisted on and he came in and presented me with it - in the most professional way, as always, including a bill for the grand sum of $12, with a receipt. I didn't know him anything like as well as I know you, but we talked about life and you and also his daughter from Vegas (the one who took me out and got me SO drunk in a tequila bar) and he was so happy for her because she'd finally met her lovely Marine. He spoke so well about you, as a brother. I'm glad my path crossed with his, if only briefly, but I am also glad for you that you had such a great partner and friend for so many years. Most marriages don't last that long - or are that amicable!

I am sorry for you and Fred's family that he died on you so suddenly and shockingly. The same thing happened with my dad almost exactly three years ago. It sounds like a cliche and it means nothing at this moment, but time does heal. And for someone like Fred, perhaps you will be able to reflect one day and see that for him, it was quick and, hopefully, painless and it wasn't a bad way to go. My dad died of a massive heart attack and sometimes people who live fast go fast. I cannot imagine Fred - or you - going in a slow and horrid way.

I sat in the car with Rupert today and he said he saw you and Fred yesterday and that Fred looked great.  I don't know what happened today, but hopefully what happened just happened. He was too young.

I am more worried about you now but I know the next few days will be filled with looking after his wife and family and with you doing what you do brilliantly. If you need anything at all, or even just someone to talk to, I'm here.

I would like to send Fred's wife a card and some flowers so if you can give me an address, I would so like to do that. From my own experience I know letters do mean something, eventually.

Just want to let you know I am thinking about you and would love to try and make the pain less, if I could, but  cannot. I am thinking now of the articles you send me about you and Fred and how good they read and what a great team you were. Hey, what a story that was! You still should do that TV story because you could never make up that sort of s**t!

I'm sorry he died, but I also know he lived a great life, and you were a huge part of him living the life he wanted to live. He was a mavarick and a character - but, God, at least he wasn't boring!

I send you a huge hug from the middle of a friggin' horribly hot desert and I wanted to send 'love' to you. You are a great guy and you guys were great partners and that's one hell of a story. Most importantly, it was 'life', and you guys had a great life together as a team.

Be strong for him because he would have expected that of you.

Will call you in a few days. Let me know if there is anything at all you need or want.  love cg xxxxx
====================================================================================================
From: James Sandler  (New York Times)
Dan, my heartfelt condolences.  He will be missed. I hope all is well, considering. Best, James
====================================================================================================
From: Joe Hamill <HamillJ@courttv.com> (Court TV investgator)

Danno: I'm really sorry to hear about Fred. I liked him a lot. He was a fearless straight shooter, and a very smart guy.
My condolences to you and his family. Yours, Joe Hamill
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From: "MILLERPI" <millerpi@cwo.com> (Hal Miller)

My God. I don't believe it! The world will miss him. Please let me know when the memorial is. Hal
===================================================================================================
From: PAULBARRESI@aol.com (Celebrity Investigator)

I've heard it said That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn
And we are led To those who help us most to grow  If we let them And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good

It well may be That we will never meet again In this lifetime So let me say before we part
So much of me Is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine By being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring  By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:   Because I knew you: I have been changed for good
=====================================================================================================
From: Sharon.Churcher@mailonsunday.co.uk

Darling Dan: Just heard the news from Caroline and I am so very very sorry.  Fred  was one of the very few people I knew with a heart and a soul and a sense of humor and history all of which truly were larger than life.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at the New York end, contacting friends and family.
I wish I had taken time to really get to know Fred. Life really is too short, isn't it. My last lovely memory of him is of this handsome chap with
a grey ponytail zooming thru Montogomery in a red coupe looking like a visiting billionaire from the South of France........ With very much love, Sharon
=====================================================================================================
From: Sian.James@mailonsunday.co.uk

Hello Dan: I was sorry to hear about your partner. You must be all very very sad. We all assume we go on for ever don't we...
Thanks for the note.........Sian
====================================================================================================
Subject: My Heart Hurts
From: SUSAN BASS <susansam@prodigy.net>

Danno, I know how much you must be hurting. This is like a bad dream.
He's been a part of my life for 40 years and I always thought he'd be there. I can't imagine life without him. I will call you. Hugs, Susan
====================================================================================================
From: Tina Bockrath <tmboc@yahoo.com> (Playboy Playmate)

I'm in total shock. I just can't believe it....Tina
====================================================================================================
Subject: SO LONG, FRIEND
From: Michael Schoen <mishow@earthlink.net> Former KFWB Newscaster (husband of Diane Dimond)

Danno, My sincere condolences to you -- for the loss of your friend and partner...
You two made a unique team and I'm sure it was a very rewarding personal relationship and a very severe blow to lose him.
We did have a few good times back in L-A. My thoughts and prayers are with you... --Michael Schoen
====================================================================================================
From: Verna Stowers <figgy328@yahoo.com>
Hi Danny....sorry i wasn't here when you called; i've been gone for a couple of days.   I'm so sorry to hear about Fred, it is such a shock and does not seem at all real.   At the present time I am completely lost for words ...........your message about Freddie has hit me extremely hard...... I'm so sorry..... I'll call you soon, Love Verna
====================================================================================================
From: "Bob Hall" <rhall@ec.rr.com> (Retired NYPD Detective)

Now I know why you used this picture. It's a good one of him. Fred sent this to me a while back. This was his message:
"Dan sent this to me.  It was taken last winter at a birthday party for the guitar player for (are you ready for this)
"Sam the Sham and the Pharos"  I like it.  It is exactly what I think I look like, and we all know how much I like me, so I thought you all
(for those of you from the deep south "All you All") might like it too.  If not you can always put it in the bottom of your birdcage.
Love you all Fred"

Dan - Fred was a 'One of a Kind', this man enjoyed life in a way that we all can appreciate.  He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it.
He stood on his principals and had the intelligence to know how to handle life as it was dealt to him.

This man touched so many lives and you as his Best friend and partner knew him best of all.
The pain we feel in his passing can not reach the depth of emotion that only you can feel as you knew this man better than most of us.

Being his partner and a true and loyal friend for all these years and for sharing with him the good and bad times. You know that a true friendship is more that just a word.

Our heart is deep with sorrow and  goes out to you Dan and Kathy and her family at this time as words can not truly express the sorrow we feel in our hearts with the untimely passing of our dear and beloved friend 'Freddy'.

May the good Lord look kindly upon you and Kathy with his Blessings and help you through these times.

We never really truly appreciate what we have - till it is taken from us. It is a shame that many of us do not
express our feelings till its to late. Be thankful for what you have in this life for you do not know  when it may be taken from you.

God Bless you for being there for Kathy and the family in their time of sorrow. Sincerely Bob & Jerri Hall Jacksonville, NC
====================================================================================================
From: JeffDelman@aol.com

Hey Danno, I was so sorry to hear about Fred.  Please accept my condolences on the loss of your partner and friend. Sincere regards, Jeff
====================================================================================================
From:  "Amanda Swisten" <Amanda@AmandaSwisten.com> (SUPERMODEL)
Danno: Just wanted you to know that my webmaster, Jason, put up the notice on my website regarding Fred. Talk to ya soon! xoxo Amanda :)
===================================================================================================
From: "Dave Smith" <dave@smith.net>

        Danno, I feel the need to post how Fred touched my life. I've know Fred 21 years. We became good friends immediately.  Fred intoduced me to you and
three of us had alot of adventures over the years, including business partnerships. We went through everything together as a family, and sometimes
we had to use tough love. I can honestly say that Fred taught me more about life and has been the most influential person in my life. Both Michelle and
Kimbyrly have worked for me, we have as a group always taken care or each other, never keeping tabs or track, we knew it would always even out in the
end. The first case I worked with Fred was the murder of 13 year old Jennifer Moore, which happened on April 13, 1989--- his death 1 day short of
the 16 year anniversary of her murder. Fred was incredible, he called in the FBI and 27 field agents came at his asking to help find Jenny.

       I truly owe who I am today and the lessons I've learned to Fred. No Hands Down. Fred was a man I knew I could call on and he'd be there, no questions
asked, and I did the same for him. One time he called me at 2am in the morning and asked me to meet him somewhere, and he 'd explain when I got
there. I got there in 10 minutes. He explained what was happening and at that time, I was assured I was in the inner circle with info almost nobody
knows. In fact, over the last 20 years, I have spent more Thanksgivings and Christmas's at Fred's than my own family, Fred and Kathy always took in the
orphans like me and 'T'.  Fred lived by a code and was Fred to very end. He always told me he'd die before age 60.  Once again, Fred was right. Dammit.

       Danno, I don't want to downplay your help to me. Your home has always been open, no questions asked, You taught me so much in the world of the
electronic database, you literally, wrote the book..or at least the Primer!. You've always helped and been supportive of me, and for that I thank you. I
thank you for stepping up and helping Kathy and Kim when the rest of Fred's extended family are so far away.

All I can say is that Fred did live life .... His Way. and with no regrets. I had 2 black russians for you, Paladin... Dave
=========================================================================================================
From: "Sylvia Moore" <sylviamoore@directcon.net>

Hey Danno! I don’t know if you remember me – I’m Sylvia Moore from Novato (now El Dorado Hills). Dave Smith just e-mailed me about Fred and I just wanted to extend my condolences to both you & Kathy. It seems these days we have a lot more funerals than we do weddings – this getting older crap is not for the weak.  I’m so sorry, Sylvia
===================================================================================================
Subject: In Loving Memory
From: DrBender420@aol.com

Danno, I will miss Fred Valis. I will miss his wit, his courage, his amazing ability to lighten up any situation, his almost guaranteed natural puns, his dark George Carlin sense of humor, his total devotion to his friends and family, his New York mannerisms, his fantastic charm, his thoughtful advice, his perfectly timed jokes, his wonderful story telling abilities, and most of all, the conversations we shared. In the 5 years i knew Fred, we shared many thoughts and opinions. He was an extremely interesting person and by far, one of the most entertaining people i have ever met !!  My only hope is that i will hear that raspy voice again in Heaven, and be able to shoot the shit once more with my pal Fred.
Rest in Peace buddy.   Bryan Henderson
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From: Eve-Marie Donnelly <evemarie5@hotmail.com>

I just wanted to say, Joey and Laura, how very sorry I am for the loss of  your dear friend Fred. What a wonderful man and one of the funniest people
I have ever met. Please let me know about the arrangements--I would like to attend.  Blessings, Eve-Marie
=============================================================================================================
From: Stella Luongo <Stella.Luongo@marist.edu>

Dear Joey, It is so shocking to lose someone you care about so suddenly. I am so sorry for your loss. My girlfriend (Dave Ingram's wife) lost her brother at a young age
and was devastated. When Ray died, I called them late that night. All 4 of us stayed on the phone a long time and she said to me - there are no words anyone can say to
console you except its horrible and it Sucks! When life does this to people - its sucks and ther is nothing you can do about it. She feels our pain.
Did Fred have family in CA and in New York?    Keep me posted.        I love you too.        Love Stella
============================================================================================================
From: JPG/LCV <hyptou@yahoo.com>

Danno, When my brother Ray was killed last year, this was passed to our family and I want to share it with Kathy, all Fred's friends and family.
Someone Is Missing.  Let this be a loving reminder That someone is missing today, Someone our hearts still hold on to, As we travel along life's way.
Someone who made life special, for all those who gather here. Someone who won't be forgotten, But cherished from year to year.
And now we pause to remember, Let us all fondly recall, How dearly each of loved him,              And oh....how he loved us all!
To my co conspirator, co-worker, hunting partner, barfly partner, mentor, best buddy, best friend and most of all my new brother and family.
A big chunk of my life and being has been taken away as well as others. Kathy I love Fred and you.  God bless, we''ll be in touch.
Love,  Joey (Two tap ) Fred's name he gave me.
==============================================================================================================
From: "Lynelle Kotrba" <LKotrba@olivo-plascencia.com>
Organization: Olivo & Plascencia (LAWYERS)

    Good morning, Danno!  I hope this finds you doing as well as can be expected.  I am better – I think I am all cried out!  I hate to keep pestering you but I was wondering if you have a definite time and location for Fred’s services?    Hang in there – Fred wouldn’t want us “blubbering” over him!  Of course, it still doesn’t take away the fact that I am angry with him for leaving us!! Thinking of you - Lynelle
==============================================================================================================
From: Mhawkins170@aol.com

Hi Danno, Madeline and I are very sorry to hear about the lost of your friend Fred Valis!!  I hope you are getting along okay!
Madeline and I are Sara, Cheryl & Tim's friends from North Carolina.  I met you last August at Route 66. I hope to visit CA sometime soon.
Maybe I will get to see you again! Mattie & Madeline Hawkins
=============================================================================================================
From: "Nolan, Barry" <Barry_Nolan@cable.comcast.com> (FORMER HARD COPY HOST)

Dear Dan; I am truly sorry to hear about Fred. He was one of the world's great characters. I don't think I have ever enjoyed hearing stories of outrageous
exploits more, than the times I spent in low dives, listening to you and Fred. I know he enjoyed his life ...especially with a good friend like you
watching his back. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. Sincerely, Barry Nolan
=============================================================================================================
From: "P.F. Smith" <PFarmer.Smith@asu.edu>

Hello Danny: You don't know me but I was a friend of Fred & Kathy's when we all lived in Marin County over a decade ago. I met them through the Masonic lodge there & my ex-husband, Andy Smith. Andy called to tell me about Fred yesterday. It is hard to believe such a unique and amazing character is no longer in the world with us. Makes that world seem just a little smaller... The story of his last actions, although they tell the tale of his demise, are nonetheless comforting to me, somehow. Just so typically ... FRED, y'know? I can't make it to the services on Sunday although I tried to find a way to fly in. Burbank isn't really that far from Phoenix, but so many of the flights were routed through SF & even odder airports that getting in & out in a day turned out to be impossible.  Please, please - convey my love & condolences to Kathy. She & Fred were wonderful friends to both Andy and I during a difficult time when our marriage was falling apart before we figured out how to be friends again. I know she must be devastated - they seemed joined at the hip. If she needs anything or wants to contact me, please give her my email address or phone number.  Keep some of my wishes for yourself too. Fred talked a lot about you & I know you were a big part of who he was and the life he loved living. The ones we love are never really lost to us - their memories live on. And nobody left memories like Fred's. He was one of a kind.

Pattie Farmer "PF" Smith Assistant Director of Advising Services College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Humanities Division & Dept. of Political Science Advising Liaison
and Faculty Associate, Department of Religious Studies,  Arizona State University Tempe, AZ
==============================================================================================================
From: rookie4yl@aol.com

 Hi,Danno - I just read this on that Fred's buddies site - and began balling like a baby -  I cannot feel the loss the way that you do - but just want you to know I'm here for ya... Sara told me - mom - that would be like if "Mum" (Laurie - who you met - from Chicago) your best friend died - what would you do ???  soooo I called Mum - and told her how much I care... and it puts it more in perspective for me -  please breathe deep - Fred wants you to get through all this.....and he truly appreciates all your help !!
TIm has to stay up north - one EXTRA day - and won't be back until Friday - I bet he's numb - and so sad that he has noone to be with... Cheryl

        "Well, I think I may have arrived at a point where I can make a comment here without "losing it" entirely. Kathy, it wasn't supposed to be this way. You were not to lose your
husband, and I, the person I have ALWAYS considered my closest and best friend. What can I possibly say that could ease the pain we
feel. I do know however what I feel in my heart. I only wish I could express it somehow, and that somehow it would help. But I can't put that into words. They just don't exist.
Earlier this evening, I went to KBA and ordered a Jack Daniels and ginger for me, and, a Black Russian for the empty chair next to me.
I KNOW I was NOT alone. As we promised each other long ago, my best friend and I shared those drinks.  During a lifetime you can probably count your closest friends on the fingers of one hand. Fred was the thumb, the one that enabled you to clutch the the other fingers more tightly together.
I may not be able to phone, or e-mail my best friend anymore. But he has moved closer, and deeper into my heart. He WILL remain there
forever... Nick Kanderis
=================================================================================================================
From: stephen hughes <stephenhughes111@yahoo.com>