Bruce and I had been communicating daily since the 11th about the Club Auction. In fact, I mailed the chips I had to him yesterday... I was anxious to hear his opinion on them... since I value it deeply. I respected his commitment to ensure this year’s auction would be the "best" ever.

When I read the announcement this morning, I was reeling in disbelief. For those never got to meet Bruce in person... one phrase keeps coming to mind: "Bigger than Life".

Bruce WAS a big man... not only in size, but in heart, soul, knowledge, generosity, humor, commitment and integrity.

One thing I keep hearing is a common sense of shock. I'm not sure how old he was... but he wasn't "that old". It seems impossible that such a vibrant, energetic man could leave us without warning.

So I sit here - wanting to say something... but instead am filled with a sense of unreasonable, childish anger. It doesn't seem fair - he was SO full of plans... and DAMMIT!! He would have NEVER (willingly) bailed when he was working so hard to finish the catalogue!

About Bruce Landau...

I'll miss his kindness and generosity.

I'll miss him telling me, "Ahhhhhhh... don't worry about it. We'll work ya deal." (and he did!)

I'll remember his unconditional trust at the 2001 convention when he handed me boxes and boxes of his finest chips (for the C-notes Exhibit)... and he and Mel's good natured bantering.

And I'll miss his appreciation of "newer collectors". I'll never forget his amusement when I was rendered paralyzed & "chip-struck" by the beauty of his black Flamingo die-cut.
He just laughed and laughed! because I just stood there in awe - holding the chip, carefully cupped in both hands, saying over and over (almost reverently), "Ohhhhhhh my gosh. LOOK at this one."

Bigger than life... yeah... that’s Bruce.
It seems fitting for a man that was never "too big" to help others.

Bruce will be missed - and I'm sorry there are no words to express my sorrow to his beloved friends & family