Chuck; I will always remember those classic auction shoot-out battles that Gene had with James C., Mr. CHIPCO, and Henry G., at our annual CCGTCC conventions. Gene would often bid, sometimes up into the four figures; ... not because he particularly wanted an item... but primarily because he didn't want the other guy to have it. Gene and Ernie would sit in the back of the auction room and conspire, "I'll lay off of lot #214 if you don't bid on lot #312."

I remember the first time I ever met Gene. It was at one of Jim Munding's early Bellflower, California shows. When I entered the hall and he introduced himself to me and Brenda, Gene asked if I liked music. When I replied "yes, I do" ... he took me by the elbow and escorted me out into the parking lot. Now for those who don't know Gene, he was a fairly large imposing figure. I believe he was a payment collection-bounty hunter looking for delinquent dead-beats at the time. I had no idea what this crazy guy was up to when he told me to get into his brand new Lexus upon our very first meeting as he drove me round and round the parking lot in his Lexus while adjusting the speaker volume and balance on his CD player. "Have you ever heard such great sound before" he would ask, as Brenda finally came outside looking for us... concerned where the hell this guy took me.. and who was this guy? Gene Grossblatt?

Gene was one of the very first people who began referring to CC & GTCCC as "The National". He was an vigorous supporter of the club and one of our early members. Gene's membership number was #298. Gene, was also the prime mover and shaker for initiating the club's Hall Of Fame award. He was a very colorful person to know. Some thought him to be a real character... I knew him and his lovng wife, Arlene, to be very gracious and generous individuals.

It will be a long, long, time before many of us meet up with another chipper like Gene Grossblatt. I'm sure that many of the veteran collectors on this bb have similar tales that they may want to share with us.

Will miss you Gene.... and it's so close to convention time once again. Some past memories will be relected upon in your absence by many of us, I'm sure.