I am just back from Bruce's funeral. Bruce had as much respect outside as he did inside the chip collecting hobby. Over 200 came to pay their last respects, family, friends and business associates. Standing room only. Bruce has a wonderful family. We all know Eileen, she was always by his side, but his children reflect all the wonderful qualities that we saw in Bruce. Humble, strong, intelligent, a good sense of humor and a winning personality. Among the chippers in attendence were Charlene and Dick Brach, Brenda and Archie Black, Jerry Birl, Eric Rosenblum, Jack Weingarten, Frank Caccavone and David Haber. I am very impressed by the turn out of the chipping community. Especially so Dave Haber who came in all the way from Las Vegas. Please pardon me if I left anyone out. It was very crowded and I was not able to see everyone there.

Even though I was there and saw it myself, I am still in shock that he is no longer with us. As were most of the audience. Only a very few left with dry eyes. The central theme of the service was that we should not mourn his death, but instead celebrate his life. We never know what the next moment will bring. Live life to its fullest. Since the time of Bruce's mothers death, 9 years ago, he called his father every single day. No matter how busy he was or were he was traveling, he called his father to check in on him and tell him that he loved him. He was also always in touch with his children and always told them the he loved them. He was a role model to all who knew him.

I hope that I was able to learn something from Bruce. I hope that we were all able to learn something from Bruce. I hope that we can look past the small problems that confront us from day to day and that we can focus on the important things in life. To paraphrase from the service ... Bruce was a great collector, a collector of not material items, but of friendships.

Good bye, Bruce, my friend. I will remember you always.