Rose Solis passed away last week.
I have such a heavy heart with this. Rose was such an integral part of this Town and our day-to-day lives in Yountville. She was a friend and someone I wanted to listen to. I wanted her perspective on life, business, and the people in our community. Rose liked me (I am not a blond frat girl in Town for a bridal party, so that helps), and I liked and respected her insights and ideas, and thoughts. Uncensored and laid out before me with no gray areas, I always knew where she stood.
When I applied to be appointed to the Yountville Town Council, about seven years ago, Rose was the only person who stood in front of the Council to tell them why I should be that new Council member. It worked; they appointed me. When a group of gay/lesbian people throughout Napa Valley had a Gorilla Gay Bar outing, Panchas was one of our first stops. We went there because Rose was behind the bar. She welcomed us all with a cigarette and open arms. When I turned 50, I had my party at Panchas; gay Ken doll cake and all. I celebrated with my friends, including my dear friend Rose. When I got married in Town, Rose, not one to shy away from voicing her thoughts, gave a toast to my new husband and me. Of course, the after-party was at Panchas.
I would always ask her to write an email or send a letter to the Sun. She had so much to share and a unique perspective. She would be demure (not a word one would usually associate with Rose). She would give me excuses as to her comfort with putting words on paper. It is unfortunate because she had a lot of great things to say.
I am lucky to have been able to sit with her and learn a thing or to. I will miss her. We will all miss her.
Awwwww…Beautifully said, Jeff. Yountville will not be the same without Rose.
Beautifully written tribute, so sorry for the loss of your dear friend…Rose always kept it real 🙂