Vern Drehmel

Passionately loved life, sports, politics, music, the arts, food - and most of all his family. He died peacefully on November 1, 2008, surrounded with love. Vern is survived by his wife, Robin, children David, Debbie and Lisa, sons-in-law Gary and Mike, grandchildren Sara, Jeff, and Aston, and former wife, Laurie. Born in Germany in 1929, his earliest memories were of the terror of Nazism. Imprisoned in Terezin and Auschwitz, he attributed his survival to luck, friendship, a fierce will to live, and a belief in the American ideals of liberty and freedom. Following escape at the age of 17, he settled in Boston, played Varsity Soccer at Harvard ('52) and earned his MA in Social Work at Boston University ('54). From 1962-68, Vern directed Stanford's Center for autistic children. For the next 30 years, alongside wife Robin, he counseled adolescents, children and families in San Mateo, before retiring to The Sea Ranch. Despite the challenges of his early years, Vern chose optimism over pessimism, friendship over isolation, and hope over fear. Through the Daniel Exhibit and classroom visits, Vern shared his experience to engage students in conversation about mankind's capacity for both great atrocity and humanity. Vern will be remembered for his extraordinary ability to connect with people through his warmth, charm, empathy, wisdom and humor. He was adored and leaves a deep void. Vern will be forever missed. Donations may be made in his memory to your favorite charity.