January 26, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. It's the Age.

If it wasn't happening to us I would not believe it. Four of our agents have died in the past two months. I think it is due to our age, but my goodness, we have been brought low with these deaths. All the agents who died had been agents for a long time and we have all worked together for many years. They were all honorable productive agents and we will miss them all.

Kristine Redman died six weeks ago, after several years fighting ovarian cancer. She was Belgian by birth and married Buck, who was of Spanish descent but who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Kristine was a lady, very soft spoken and quiet. She was an excellent agent and an excellent gardener. Kristine and Buck loved to travel as did their two daughters. Kristine's Mother died of the same disease and died when Kristine was pregnant with her first child. Five years ago Kristine was diagnosed with the cancer, and during those years saw her grandchildren born and thrived. She was thrilled to be able to enjoy being a grandmother. We will miss her.

Jung Lee died four weeks ago. Jung was a prince of a man. He was elegant and hard working and was very successful working with the Korean society. He was Korean, and worked in the Korean Military before emigrating to America. His children were born here and he was very active in his church. In fact, for his family, he was the rock. Three years ago, Jung started to have difficulty with his back. This was the first time he was unable to complete every task and he did not enjoy this feeling. Next he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and worked through all the necessary medical procedures and he seemed to be getting better. but he died just before Christmas. We will miss him.

Gerry Bernstein died two weeks ago, the same afternoon after working that morning. He was the oldest agent in the office, and came to us after a successful career building large commercial properties. After a heart attack, he sold his company. Over the years working with Gerry, every one learned from him about how to lead your life. Every morning he came to work, even though he was 81 years old. He was a wealthy man but he wanted to earn his money now, and to spend that money to pay his daily bills. He was an amazing man. He was a gentleman and loved talking to people. Every morning he walked around the main floor speaking to each agent, just to say hello. He wanted to work right up until he died, and he did. He had a massive heart attack the same afternoon that he had worked in the morning. We will miss him.

Jay Schuck died this weekend, from a massive stroke. He fell at home, in their basement and his head hit the floor. He never regained consciousness. Jay came into real estate from the government, joining his wife Susan who was a successful real estate agent. Two of their boys joined them too, and the Schuck's worked together successfully for many years. Jay was a very funny man and we all enjoyed his humor. Physical ailments surfaced and he became a diabetic, then three years ago he under went triple by-pass surgery which was successful. His recovery was long and difficult and he did not really ever return with his former spirit. Now he has died. The Family is a very close loving family, which is not easy to do when the Family works together, but they were able to be supportive of each other, even when Jay was not feeling at his peak. We will miss him.

We have lost four honorable productive agents. All agents enjoyed working. I remember these four with gratitude.