Adrian Estes Flake

Adrian Flake Obituary

ADRIAN ESTES FLAKE Beloved father ADRIAN ESTES FLAKE WAS BORN August 29, 1915 in Dallas, Texas, the son of Ethelo James and Helen Rollfing Flake, and died Friday morning, September 23, 2005. Adrian is survived by his wife Joan Rosenblum Flake and their children Jill Jewett, her husband Dunham and children Ryan, Sarah and William; and daughter Jennifer Saucer, her husband John, and children Alexander, Andrew Estes and John August. Also survived by his children from previous marriage to Betty Lee Patterson: Billy Flake, his wife Suzanne, and their children and grandchildren Emily, Melissa, Nicholas, Anthony and Adrian Joseph; Nancy Taylor and her sons Michael Trevor DeLuca and Anthony DeLuca, his wife Elizabeth and their children Lauren, Allison, Virginia Claire and Caroline; Victor Michael Flake and daughter Natalie; Jeanie Woodruff, husband Todd and their family Jimmy, Magda and Brandon, Kathryn McGranahan and Ian Woodruff; James August Flake and daughter Lacey Nicole. Also survived by loyal friend Jay Ewend, who shared Adrian's love of fishing, golf and baseball and spent many enjoyable hours with his buddy "Ace." Adrian began his career at Texas Neon Sign Co. and designed such landmarks as the Houston Shoe Hospital sign, the neon fronts of the Alabama, Tower and other movie theatres, and the lighting in the peak of the San Jacinto Monument. He also designed and constructed numerous fine custom homes in the Houston area. Adrian greatly loved his family and was greatly loved by them. He will be remembered in cherished photographs of "Pappaw" smiling down at each new baby born into our midst, as well as the many oil paintings and woodwork projects his great creativity blessed us with over the years. We will honor his life with a memorial service to be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 in the chapel of Temple Emanu El, 1500 Sunset, Houston, Texas 77005. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Caroline School, 3550 West Dallas, Houston, Texas 77019 or to the charity of your choice.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Sep. 26, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Flake

10 Entries

Edgar / Elfie Nullmeier

September 30, 2005

Jill and Dunham, our hearts and thoughts are with you, we are very, very sorry Elfie and Edgar

Jay Ewend

September 29, 2005

Dear Nancy,

I am sorry that I will not make it to the funeral, but I would appreciate if Dunham or someone from the family would read my remembrance of Adrian at the service. I will be thinking of Adrian and all of you on Tuesday.

Sincerely - Jay

Adrian,

I wish I could be there today to join in the celebration of your life. Unfortunately, we are still in Alabama as a result of hurricane Rita.

Nonetheless, I would like to share some fond memories of Adrian.

I will begin with our outing with Jack Hodges (his friend since the age of 5) and Lionel Wheeler to an Astros game. I told my wife that it should be an early night. Little did I know that I would get home after 1 am. Since that night - I have referred to the group as "the Three Amigos" and I.

There is also the story of a portrait Adrian did of Red Adair's yacht. After Red took Adrian and Lionel deep sea fishing, he decided to repay Red by painting a portrait of Red's yacht. A few years later, he learned that Red had sold his boat to Dennis Rodman, a former Chicago Bulls basketball star. Adrian phoned Red and said, "I heard you sold your boat to Rodman." Red replied, "Yes". Then Adrian asked, "What about my painting?" Red said, "Adrian, Rodman had enough money to buy the yacht, but he doesn't have enough to buy that painting. It's still hanging over my fireplace".

Ace, I will never forget October 31st, 2000. This story will explain to everyone why I call you "Ace". That day, on number 15 , a par 3 at Country Place, you hit a hole-in-one with me as your witness. I saw the ball hit in front of the green, roll up, hit the flagpole and drop in the hole. I exclaimed, "That's a hole-in-one!". You said, "No, the ball rolled off the back side of the green" When we reached the green, I ran to the hole, looked down and saw your Titleist lying in the cup. It made the hair on my arms stand up. I told you to get over here for the honor of removing the ball. While I threw my clubs up in the air to rejoice, the foursome behind us on the tee box realized by our reaction what had happened and began cheering. As I hugged you, that warm smile came across your face and you said, "That's my 4th hole-in-one." I still don't know who was more excited, you or me. I thought to myself, "Okay, Ace, how are you going to top this."

Well, a few months later, we were back at Country Place, on number ten, a Par 5 and Adrian hits his first shot straight down the middle. Meanwhile, I'm off to the right by the trees and close to the street, almost out of bounds. As I try to determine how to get out of my bind, Ace hits his second shot. I asked him, "Where did you go?" He replied, "In the hole". I said, "No, really, where did you go?" He again said, "In the hole." I told him, "I'm not hitting my next shot until you tell me where you really are." As he strolled toward the green, I should have known by his big grin that he was actually in the hole.

As he removed his ball, I said, "a two". He replied, "yes, Double Eagle!" When we got back to the cart, he patted me on the knee and said, "You always bring out the best in me." I then stated, "Yeah and it always costs me a buck."

You should know that Ace and I always played for 100 per hole. It was only 100 pennies, but for Ace, you would think it was 100 dollars. He always told me, "It's not about the money, it's about the honor."

When we returned to the clubhouse that day, I told the head pro, Mike Hoelzer, what had happened on the 10th hole. He assured me that a double eagle was a far greater feat than a hole-in-one because you must hit two perfect shots instead of one. Thus, "Ace" became a fitting nickname

When Nancy called me to tell of the sad news, we had been watching television to see what was happening back home in Houston. I told her I was sorry and that I had seen the tragedy on the news. I thought of you, Adrian. But I felt in my heart that you were in a safe place and I was right, you are now home with God.

I was with my 7 year old son, Ryan, as I got off the phone with Nancy, and we both cried.

He stopped and said, "Dad, everything is okay. Adrian is in heaven with God". He asked, "What do you think happened? Did he hurt?" I replied, "No, because Adrian was taking a catnap and dreaming about the Astros in the playoffs, with Roger Clemens on the mound, and the next thing he knew, he was in heaven. He was greeted by Red Adair with a case of ice cold Miller Lite, a tee time at 9 am, lunch reservations at Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen for shrimp scampi and a glass of wine. Then to top off the day, a little deep sea fishing with Red on the Blowout II."

My son, Ryan, then said, "Dad, I'm glad we didn't take Adrian to any more Astros games." I questioned "Why, I thought he was your buddy?" He said, "He is, but the last game we went to, Roger Clemens pitched against the LA Dodgers and the Astros won it in the bottom of the ninth when Morgan Ensberg drove in Willie T. with a shot to right center field." Adrian was having a great time, giving everyone "high fives". What a wonderful memory for a 7 year old.

Well Ace, I hope you don't mind that I have been rambling on, but I just wanted to share these fond memories with your family and good friends. I will miss our golf outings, fishing trips with Nancy, the trips to Country Place for Georgia's great cheeseburgers, and conversations with Jack, Lionel and all the Country Place men. But most of all I will miss our friendship. I thank God today that he gave me the honor and privilege of having you as my friend.

Love,

Jay Ewend (AKA "Old Shoe")

Jackie Tamez

September 29, 2005

Dear Nancy,

I just learned of the passing of your father and am so very sorry. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as well as my thoughts and prayer. May you feel the warmth of God's love and may He fill you with peace. Take care and may God bless you, always!

I Love you, xoxox

Jackie & Benny Tamez

Betsy Carney

September 28, 2005

Mike,

You may not remember me. We met at the wedding when you married my sister, Lynne. She told me about your father and I just wanted to let you know that I am terribly sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. If your father's home was an example of his work, he was a very talented man. You and your father will be in my prayers.

The Ibarra Family

September 27, 2005

Our prayers and deepest sympathy to the family

Close friend to Victor Flake

Bob and Topsy Woodson

September 26, 2005

Please know that you are in our prayers at this time. Our deepest sympathy..

Bob and Topsy Woodson

Jack Phelps

September 26, 2005

Adrian was a great inspiration to me.I will always remember baby sitting for Billy,Nancy,and Mike.I was so lucky to be the kid who he let him build a rail type fence with old wooden wagon wheels for the gates,also cars were hard to come by during WW II and when I turned 16 he let me use his car to take take my drivers license. My prayers are with you all.

Missy Brochstein

September 26, 2005

I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kimberly

September 26, 2005

My deepest condolences to the Flake family. I am sadden for you at this unjust tragedy. Having felt the sudden loss of a close family member I hope that you can take comfort in that which gave me comfort.

He will never have to suffer another thing again. Not the smallest pin prick or the loss of a loved one.

Remember him well for he will always hold you in his heart.

Regret nothing for it cannot be changed.

Honor him now by doing what He would have wanted for You.

Hold the memories you have of him close to you, though they may hurt to remember them, they are the only thing that will help you heal.

May peace find you swiftly for it is no less than you deserve.

Kimberly Huling

Co-Worker to Victor Flake