I moved to Ladue at the start of our freshman year. Imagine my shock when I saw this Scandinavian behemoth loose in the corridors and learned that he was just a freshman like me. I thought I had entered a different world. He was so big that he blocked light – like a blond Bigfoot. One day in freshman coed gym class we were in the swimming pool and he suddenly saw fit to hoist me overhead and spin me like a helicopter rotor. This was in front of everybody. I was powerless to free myself. Finally he tired of the antic and jettisoned me like a fish not worth keeping. Most of my recollections resulted from being on the swim team with him. Erik was generally good natured, thank goodness. About the only time he would lose his cool was when Berkley needled him in a certain way, something he could do at will. I saw Erik at our 15^th reunion. He had let his hair grow long and had become rather flamboyant, and he seemed comfortable with himself. I would have enjoyed seeing him again much later in life.

“Drace” is how I knew her; never “Barbara.” To her, I was “Reichardt.” I was shocked and saddened to learn that she had died. This happened only several months ago as the outreach for the 50^th reunion got underway. It was one of those poignant moments that forces you ponder your own mortality while flooded with memories of the deceased. I was astounded at the depth of loss I felt over the death of somebody I had not seen in 50 years. I spent a tremendous amount of time with Barbara because of countless double-, triple- and quadruple dates with Berkley and our mostly swimming team circle of friends. She was an integral part of my high school experience. We had a lot of laughs. She could roll with the punches and gave as good as she got. I hope her life was what she wanted.  

Dear sweet friend for life and forever,
You had an amazing life and spirit.  You affected so many.  You helped so many.  You were loved by so many.  I was blessed that you were my best friend.  
Barbara had a masters from Columbia U., in deaf and special education.  She was a fantastic teacher in Special School District  She was a horse breeder and equestrian teacher at her Double Tree Farm on Pond Rd.  Twenty six acres filled with animals and at its peak 24 Arabian horses along with assorted shelter ponies and lots of other animal residents.
After her brother Charlie Drace passed away, she took over operation of Ambruster Mortuary which was owned by 4 generations of her family.  
She was an amazing, beautiful, loving, human being and was a huge part of my life, both at LHS and beyond.  She passed away In October 2010, taken by cancer.  Taken too soon.
I love you Barbara, thanks for loving me.
Charlie Berkley