Fran Wertz R.I.P.

Post by **Jim Price** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

The area music scene lost a member, friend and fan with the passing of Fran Wertz from a major heart attack; he died Sunday night. He was 55.

I didn't know Fran for all that long, but will always remember his laughter. He was one of those people whose laughter could get me started laughing. He was fun to talk to, always with a smile on his face.

I remember some recent times with him, including the October jam night at the Sankertown VFW, he and Dan Myers II breaking into a song off stage at the end of the night, and me joining in on bongos as I was getting ready to head out the door. By the end of it we were all laughing. I'll also remember chatting and laughing with him at last summer's Lakemont Park WingOffs and during Full Kilt's performance at last September's Cambria City Ethnic Fest. Fran often photographed bands and events, including Full Kilt, The Front and others.

He was a fun guy, whose smile and laughter will definitely be missed. R.I.P.

Here is a picture of Fran, Kayla ("felix's apprentice") and Dan Myers II ("GUITARII") during a Wednesday Jam Night at Pellegrine's back on August 18 of last year.

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

i miss you sooo much fran. words can't express how much this hurts this morning. you have supported me from the first time i played - you were a great friend and i considered you my family.

i will never be able to play simple man with out thinking of you.

i'm goin to miss you every time i play. i will never forget the many times on stage with you. every time i strap on this guitar i will be playing for you. i love you and i miss you.

RIP my friend.

- kaylagirl.

jai · Post by **jai** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

R.I.P. Fran, we will miss you!

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

That is very sad news. Everytime Fran would come to see The Conniptions, we would talk and he was always kind and complimentary. R.I.P. Fran

CHICKSINGA · Post by **CHICKSINGA** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

I have only known Francis for a short time too but he was so wonderful to me. He showed up for some Rare Soul gigs and when I asked him to sit in declined because of his heart. I guess I didn't really understand because he was full of life and laughter, always sending nice notes on facebook & greeting me with a smile. The last time I saw him was jam night at The Sankertown Vets on Christmas Eve with Kayla, Danny, Marsue & all the fun crowd. We talked and laughed and Fran mentioned taking over when Peter left Rare Soul.

Rest for a while Francis, but that band in Heaven needs ya honey! We all did!

Trace

BassFinger · Post by **BassFinger** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

RIP Fran...

nakedtwister · Post by **nakedtwister** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

Man this is a complete shocker. A sad day for sure. For the 6 years I have know Fran, he was one of the most supportive people I know. Had the pleasure of singing "Simple Man" with him a few times with "The Red Arrow" band. Moments I will cherish forever. I'm sure he is at peace and will be greatly missed. Fran my brother, while your up there, look Harry up. He's a great musician as well.

B

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

felix'apprentice wrote:i miss you sooo much fran. words can't express how much this hurts this morning. you have supported me from the first time i played - you were a great friend and i considered you my family.

i will never be able to play simple man with out thinking of you.

i'm goin to miss you every time i play. i will never forget the many times on stage with you. every time i strap on this guitar i will be playing for you. i love you and i miss you.

RIP my friend.

- kaylagirl.

Very cool Kayla... It's pretty awesome that he made such an impact on you and your playing. My thoughts go out to you and his family and friends.
R.I.P. Fran

ToonaRockGuy · Post by **ToonaRockGuy** » Monday Feb 14, 2011

I met Fran once and was struck by how full of joy he was. Easygoing, with a quick word and a quick smile for all. RIP, Fran. God Bless you and your family.

felix'apprentice · Post by **felix'apprentice** » Tuesday Feb 15, 2011

onegunguitar wrote:Very cool Kayla... It's pretty awesome that he made such an impact on you and your playing. My thoughts go out to you and his family and friends.
R.I.P. Fran

thanks. this still isnt easy this morning.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Tuesday Feb 15, 2011

Super bummer...RIP Fran

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Tuesday Feb 15, 2011

R.I.P. Fran...

m2helmet · Post by **m2helmet** » Wednesday Feb 16, 2011

Fran the Man....good memories of you being the"roadie" for us ... your smile and laughter were infectious. Rock on Brother ....til we meet again on the other side

sunsetbass · Post by **sunsetbass** » Wednesday Feb 23, 2011

its taken me a while to be able to reply to this thread. so many things to say about fran. too many to mention. fran was one of the greatest people i have ever had the pleasure to meet, hang out with and jam wih. he was someone i truely call a friend. he never had a bad word to say even if you totally screwed the song up. he was always super supportive. his smile and laughter could shine through the toughest of times and make even the grouchiest person laugh their ass off. jam night will never be the same without fran. Bro i am gonna miss you. RIP My Brother.